(VOVworld) - Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-Cha has warned that the military will "take action" under martial law if protests occur over impeachment proceedings against ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra. The PM told reporters on Tuesday that the military won't let Yingluck supporters stage street protests if they don't accept the National Legislative Assembly (NLA)’s ruling. He gave the warning after observers said a vote to impeach Thailand’s first female premier - which carries an automatic five-year ban from politics - could stir her 'Red Shirt' supporters to protest, ending months of relative calm since the army grabbed power and imposed martial law. On Friday, the NLA will begin impeachment hearings of Yingluck for enacting a costly rice subsidy scheme. The former PM was removed from office in early May, 2014, after being charged with abuse of power and constitutional violations by the Constitutional Court.