Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has dismissed rumours that her family will take a year-long break from politics, but admits that she is concerned about the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) investigation into the rice scheme.
Yingluck Shinawatra (Photo by Pattanapong Hirunard)
Asked whether she planned to take a break, Ms Yingluck said, "I haven't given it a thought and I haven't talked about it with the Shinawatra family.
"My thoughts are on what should be done following the Constitutional Court's ruling against the Feb 2 election and how to get all sides to allow a fresh election to take place.
"I hope the Democrat Party will abide by democratic principles and cooperate with the Election Commission," Ms Yingluck, still in a wheelchair after injuring her ankle nearly two weeks ago, told reporters on Friday.
When reporters asked her whether Thailand would move ahead more easily if the Shinawatra family stays out of politics for a while, she said she would do anything to ensure the country moves forward, but it must be within the democratic framework.
Asked if the Pheu Thai Party would follow the Democrat Party's example if it decides not to contest the next general election, she said the decision would rest with the Pheu Thai executive.
On the NACC's investigation into the government's controversial rice pledging scheme, the caretaker premier said she was worried because the anti-graft agency had rejected her request to extend the March 31 deadline to defend herself against the charges of negligence of duty in overseeing the flagship scheme by 45 days.
"Normally, the NACC would set up a subcommittee to look into a case first, but in my case there's no subcommittee and they took just 21 days to lay charges against me.
"An accused person should have considerable time to explain. I asked for 45 days, but I got only 15 days," she said. "And I've just received a 280-page document and I'm given only three days to give an explanation.
"I wonder whether the committee is treating me fairly like other holders of political positions," Ms Yingluck said.
When reporters asked her whether she will clarify the accusations against her on Monday, she said she will have to consult her lawyer first.