Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra refutes corruption claims

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has reportedly issued a statement refuting charges of corruption leveled against her in connection with her role in a controversial rice purchase scheme.

Yingluck, who has been facing anti-government protests since the past few weeks, took to social network Facebook to plead her innocence.

Yingluck wrote on her Facebook page that she was innocent of the accusations by the NACC (the anti-corruption commission), adding that even though she was accused of criminal charges and faced removal [from office], which were the wishes of people who wanted to overthrow the government; she was willing to co-operate to establish the facts.

According to the BBC, Thailand's anti-corruption commission said that it would charge her for her role in the scheme and if found guilty she could be forced from office.

Meanwhile, protesters have continued their campaign against Yingluck to overthrow her.