Thailand’s Constitutional Court has found Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra guilty of abuse of power, a verdict that could deepen the nation’s political crisis.
The court ruled Ms Yingluck violated the constitution when she transferred the National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri in 2011, which opponents say was designed to benefit her Puea Thai Party.
Ms Yingluck has been ordered to step down from office.
Cabinet members implicated in the violation must also be removed from office, while others can remain as ministers, the judge said.
There are fears the verdict will destabilise security in the capital, Bangkok, with government supporters, known as the ‘Red Shirts’, vowing to protest on the streets.
Among other charges Ms Yingluck faces is one of dereliction of duty over a state rice-buying scheme that critics say is riddled with corruption and has run up huge losses.
These charges were brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, which is expected to deliver its ruling later this month, ABC informs.
