Court removes Yingluck from office

Thailand's Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from office for abuse of power on Wednesday, in a ruling that threatens to unleash a new wave of political unrest in the kingdom.

The court, which has played a key role in deposing Shinawatra-linked governments in recent turbulent chapters of Thai politics, ruled unanimously that she acted illegally by transferring a top security official in 2011.

"Therefore her prime minister status has ended... Yingluck can no longer stay in her position acting as caretaker prime minister," presiding judge Charoon Intachan said in a televised ruling.

Several cabinet ministers who endorsed the decision to transfer Thawil will also be stripped of their status.

The court also declined to appoint a new prime minister.

It was not immediately clear whether the ruling would create a political vacuum or if one of Yingluck's ministers nominated after Thawil's transfer would be able to step into her shoes, pending a future election.

The case plunges Thailand deeper into a prolonged political crisis with anti-government protesters still on Bangkok's streets and Yingluck's "Red Shirt" supporters also threatening to rally to defend her, raising fears of clashes.

Jubilant anti-government demonstrators blew whistles outside the court to mark her removal -- a key demand of their movement, which is seeking to curb the influence of Yingluck's billionaire brother, Thaksin.