An expanded investigation into irregularities in the rice-pledging scheme will not be disrupted even though one of the accused may have fled the country, according to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
NACC chairman Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit said the investigators can proceed with the probe into the government-to-government rice scandal under the new anti-corruption law but the accused will not be able to defend themselves against the allegation.
His comment was in response to reports that one of the potential suspects, Yaowapa Wongsawat, who is the younger sister of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had fled the country to avoid the charges.
Worawat Ua-apinyakul, a close aide to Ms Yaowapa, said he has not spoken to her for a few months after she distanced herself from politics and he has no idea what she has been up to.
