Graft verdict on Bt1.4 billion rubber sapling case expected on August 17

Among high-profile defendants are former deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak, former commerce minister Adisai Bodharamik and deputy finance minister Varathep Ratanakorn.

The high court has instructed the defence and the prosecution to submit their respective closing statements in writing by August 11.

The hearing of witnesses completed on Tuesday.

As plaintiff, the National Anti Corruption Commission contends that the 44 defendants have abused power relating to the fixing of the rubber sapling bid. The saplings were destined for distribution as hand-outs to farmers in the Northeast.

The alleged wrongdoing is one of the populist polices carried out during the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.