Among the big names jailed over the controversial rice-pledging scheme, launched during the Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration, only Apichart Chansakulporn remains in prison.
Boonsong Teriyapirom, 64, a former commerce minister, was sentenced in 2015 to 48 years in prison for his role in the bogus government-to-government (G2G) rice deals.
After serving only seven years, though, he was released on parole yesterday, following a series of royal commutations. His prison term was reduced to ten years due to good conduct.
Boonsong must serve the remainder of his term under electronic monitoring for three years and five months.
His deputy, Poom Sarapol, was sentenced to 36 years in prison on similar charges. He was released on parole in September, after a royal commutation reduced his sentence to eight years. Poom remains under the Corrections Department’s supervision until August 25, 2025.
As for Apichart, who was sentenced to 66 years in prison (with a maximum term of 50 years), he remains incarcerated. He is currently serving a 48-year term and is not eligible for parole due to convictions in additional cases.
Others convicted in the case include senior Commerce Ministry officials, such as former department director-general Manas Soiploi, who received a 40-year sentence, and former Rice Administration Office director Thikamporn Nartworatat, who received a 32-year sentence.
