On May 22, 2025, Narewitch Lalaeng, legal counsel for former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, spoke after the Supreme Administrative Court ordered her to pay 10.028 billion baht in damages related to the rice-pledging scheme, specifically the government-to-government (G2G) rice sales.
Narewitch stated that while the court agreed with a previous ruling that Yingluck is not liable for losses from the 2012–2013 rice-purchasing programs totaling 178 billion baht, the court found her negligent in overseeing G2G rice exports, where fraud was proven to have occurred. He argued that this process was under the responsibility of the Commerce Ministry, not Yingluck directly.
Crucially, he pointed out that during the 2014 military coup, 18.9 million tons of rice remained in stock. According to a Ministry of Finance order, any subsequent rice sales generating higher-than-estimated revenue could offset Yingluck’s liability. With the current administration reportedly selling the rice at 25 baht/kg, total earnings could reach 250 billion baht, possibly nullifying Yingluck’s debt.
Narewitch confirmed his legal team is considering filing for a new trial under Section 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act, citing the rice sale revenue as new evidence. They have 90 days to submit the request.
He also addressed allegations that the rice sales were politically motivated to "cover Yingluck’s debt," stating that private companies bought the rice at market prices. Assets seized from Yingluck—many jointly owned with her husband Anusorn Amornchat—were nearly fully liquidated, with excess assets beyond the liability amount eligible for return.
He pleaded with the public not to politicize or vilify Yingluck further, emphasizing his commitment to seeking justice on her behalf. Regarding her return to Thailand, he said there are no civil restrictions, and any decision rests with her.