Thai Court Orders Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's Removal

The Constitutional Court in Thailand has ordered the removal of Interim Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, a move that worsens the political crisis in the country that has seen months-long violent protests demanding her resignation.

The court ruled Yingluck had violated regulations while transferring the chief of the National Security Council, Thawil Pliensri, in 2001.

The opposition had brought several other charges relating to abuse of power against Thailand's first female prime minister.

The court also ousted nine other cabinet members who had a role in the transfer scandal.

"The prime minister's status has ended, Yingluck can no longer stay in her position acting as caretaker prime minister," the judge said.

Yingluck, the sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, argued that she was not directly involved in the transfer and denied that her party benefited from the move. However, the court rejected her argument.

The court also ruled that the caretaker cabinet can continue to function until a new set of lawmakers take over, The Nation reported.

The latest verdict is set to ignite fresh clashes in Bangkok as pro-government factions believe the country's elite have been conspiring to bring down the popular government.

Thailand has been in turmoil ever since anti-government protesters stormed the streets of the capital in November 2013 demanding Yingluck's resignation.