Yingluck impeachment raises Thai political stakes

Significance

Her impeachment is part of the junta's broader effort permanently to prevent the Shinawatra family from regaining power. The second step, Yingluck's arraignment before the Supreme Court on criminal charges also related to the rice scheme, will take place in February. In addition, the Election Commission has announced that it, too, may bring charges against Yingluck in coming weeks, allegedly for using government funds for her election campaign last February.

Impacts

• The military can prevent any violent uprising by Thaksin supporters -- for the time being.
• Should the junta overplay its hand, the risk of an uprising would rise, potentially jeopardising foreign investment.
• The risk of tighter international sanctions against Thailand is minimal.