Court Adds 6 More Years in Prison to Boonsong

BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) - The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has given six more years in Prison to ex-commerce minister Boonsong Teiryaphirom for falsifying government-to-government rice deals between Thailand and China, bringing his total jail term to 48 years. The final verdict was handed down following an appeal by Mr. Boonsong. He appealed that he had worked under the former government’s policy but the judges rejected his claims as unreasonable. The Court also added conviction to other co-defendants in the similar case. Mr. Boonsong’s son, Dejnattawit Teriyapirom said his father was shocked after listening to the verdict because it was unexpected. However, he accepted the final verdict and will seek a royal pardon, which could either reduce the jail term or free him. (TNA)