Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-Cha on January 6 warned the military will "take action" under martial law if protests occur as a result of impeachment proceedings against ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

Thai former PM Yingluck Shinawatra

The PM told reporters that the military won't let Yingluck supporters to stage street protests if they don't accept the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s ruling.

He gave the warning as observers say a vote to impeach Thailand’s first female premier - which carries an automatic five-year ban from politics - could stir her 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest, ending months of relative calm since the army grabbed power and imposed martial law on the country.

On January 9, the NLA will begin the impeachment of Yingluck for driving through a costly rice subsidy scheme.

The former PM was removed from office in early May 2014, after being charged with power abuse and constitutional violation by the Constitutional Court.

On May 22, the Thai military toppled Yingluck’s administration and set up a junta led by former Army Commander Prayuth Chan-o-Cha.

Yingluck has always denied all charges made by the National Anti-Corruption Commission and prosecution agency. She also said she will run for the general election slated for 2016.

(Source: VNA)