泰前总理英拉出庭弹劾听证

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has appeared before the National Assembly in Bangkok to defend herself against possible impeachment.

She's accused of mismanaging public funds connected to a controversial rice subsidy scheme, which critics say cost the Thai government some 15-billion US dollars.

Yingluck contends she's being framed by the ruling Military junta.

"I insist that I, as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, ran the country with honesty, transparency, justice, entirely under the given authority according to the constitution, the law and regulations."

If found guilty she could be banned from active politics for 5-years.

Yingluck, the sister of ousted Thai Primier Thaksin Shinawatra, was removed from office for abuse of power in May.

Thailand's military later seized control of the government amid continued demonstrations.

A final ruling on Yingluck's impeachment is expected before the end of the month.