Former Thai commerce minister Boonsong sentenced to 42 years in jail

Former Thai commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom arriving for his verdict at the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug 25, 2017. PHOTO: EPA

Former Thai commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom was on Friday (Aug 25) sentenced to 42 years in jail by the country's Supreme Court for his role in a 2013 deal to sell rice stockpiled by the government to the Chinese government.

The deal was later declared bogus by Thailand's national anti-graft body.

He has been sentenced to 42 years in prison. In addition, his former deputy Poom Sarapol has been sentenced to 36 years in prison over the same deal.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.