(VOVworld) - Thailand’s military-appointed legislature began impeachment hearings Friday against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Ms Yingluck told MPs she had "no position left to be removed from" (Photo: AFP)

The case concerns a scheme under which Ms Yingluck's government bought rice from Thai farmers - part of her rural support base - at a much higher price than on the global market. Making a rare appearance in public, Ms. Yingluck told the National Legislative Assembly that the proceedings were pointless because she no longer holds any political position. She rejected all accusations by the Thai National Anti-Corruption Commission, saying the rice subsidy scheme benefited the farmers and that she did her best in the office of Prime Minister. If found guilty she could be banned from political activity for five years. The next hearing is scheduled to be held on January 16^th.