Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra Ousted by Court

VoA - News Wednesday 7th May, 2014

The Constitutional Court ruled Yingluck Shinawatra and members of her Cabinet abused their authority when they transferred a national security council official, which paved the way for her relative to become the national police chief.

Presiding judge Charoon Intachan read the final part of the lengthy verdict which removed the prime minister.

The judge says that in accordance with the constitution the premiership is now declared vacant. He adds that all nine surviving members of the Cabinet, when the unlawful personnel transfer was made in 2011, must also step down.

The remaining members of the Cabinet quickly selected from among themselves the interim commerce minister, Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, as the new caretaker prime minister.

Shortly after that announcement, Yingluck made a televised speech thanking the people for their trust and support in difficult times.

The outgoing caretaker prime minister says despite the court ruling she did not violate the law.

Her governing Pheu Thai Party calls the Constitutional Court's verdict a conspiracy to try to destroy democracy.

A former foreign minister Nappadon Pattama, who is a supporter of the current government, contends the court's decision is unconstitutional, but says it is likely to be accepted.

"The prime minister has done nothing wrong. But the court ruled against the prime minister. What I am surprised at is the court didn't disqualify the whole Cabinet. This is good," said Nappadon Pattama.

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Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra Ousted by Court