Thai court verdict in PM's abuse of power case due May 7

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra smiles as she arrives at the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on May 6, 2014. Thailand's Constitutional Court said on Tuesday it would hand down a ruling on May 7 in an abuse of power case brought against
Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra smiles as she arrives at the Constitutional Court in Bangkok on May 6, 2014. Thailand's Constitutional Court said on Tuesday it would hand down a ruling on May 7 in an abuse of power case brought against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that could see her removed from office if found guilty. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

BANGKOK (REUTERS) - Thailand's Constitutional Court said on Tuesday it would hand down a ruling on May 7 in an abuse of power case brought against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that could see her removed from office if found guilty.

"The court makes an appointment to hand down its verdict on May 7 at midday," a judge said after a hearing.

Yingluck faces charges relating to her transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri in 2011, which opponents say was done to benefit her party.

The verdict could throw Thailand deeper into turmoil after six months of street protests aimed at ousting Yingluck.

Her "red shirt" supporters have vowed to respond if she is forced from office and have already arranged a big rally for May 10 near Bangkok.

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