Thai anti-graft body says PM acted wrongly on rice

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's state anti-corruption agency has charged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra with improperly handling an expensive rice subsidy scheme, putting her in jeopardy of getting impeached.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission said Tuesday that Yingluck's government proceeded with the scheme despite advice from experts that it was potentially wasteful and prone to corruption. The government has been months late in making payments to farmers for the rice they pledged to sell at above-market prices.

The commission said Yingluck has been called to formerly hear the charges on Feb. 27. If it decides to submit the case to the Senate for possible impeachment, Yingluck will immediately be suspended from performing her official duties pending a Senate trial.