The Finance Ministry says it is waiting for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's decision on whether he would himself sign or co-sign an administrative order seeking 35.7 billion baht in compensation from former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra over her loss-ridden rice-pledging scheme, or authorise someone else to do so.
A panel formed to determine the compensation, chaired by Manas Jamveha, director-general of the Comptroller-General's Department, ruled former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra must pay 35.7 billion baht for the losses.
Permanent secretary for finance Somchai Sujjapongse said Monday he forwarded the panel's ruling to Gen Prayut on Friday.
It remains unclear who would sign the order, he said, adding it depends on the prime minister's decision.
Yingluck: Has to pay 35.7 billion baht
If the premier decides not to sign the order, it is important to see who he gives the authority to, according to Mr Somchai.
Gen Prayut earlier hinted he would give the authority to sign the document to the Finance Ministry. He said the signing is in fact the responsibility of the ministry and its officials since they are involved in the probe panel.
The premier also noted he has the power to authorise others to sign the order on his behalf.
Previously, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn was authorised to sign an administrative order on Gen Prayut's behalf demanding 20 billion baht in compensation from ex-commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and five others for their involvement in fraudulent government-to-government (G2G) rice sales.
Ms Apiradi last month authorised commerce permanent secretary Chutima Bunyapraphasara to sign the order on her behalf.
Of the 20 billion baht in compensation, Mr Boonsong is required to pay 1.77 billion baht and his then deputy Poom Sarapol must pay 2.3 billion baht. The four others are required to pay 4 billion baht each.
Mr Somchai said the government is also looking for other officials responsible for the losses incurred by the rice-pledging scheme in addition to Ms Yingluck, who will be held liable for 20% of the 178 billion baht in losses.
Agencies affected by the losses may have to work with the Finance Ministry to set up panels to probe the matter, he said.
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