Thai Prime Minister survives no-confidence vote in Parliament

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-21-2009 20:06

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and five cabinet ministers, have survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament, which followed a two-day debate.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (R) smiles  during a no-confidence vote at the Parliament in Bangkok March  21, 2009. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and five cabinet  ministers survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on  Saturday after a two-day censure debate. (Xinhua/Thana Nuntavoranut)

The House of Representatives backed Abhisit and the ministers by comfortable margins. The prime minister's tally was 246-176 ballots.

Abhisit's Democrat Party controls a majority ruling coalition in the lower house.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said, "I think I tried to clarify as best and complete as I can under limited time. Overall it is good. Sometimes, there were problems among the members. However, we could pass it through and all accused ministers tried their best to clarify themselves."

The opposition says the outcome wasn't surprising, and they'll continue to keep a close watch.

The opposition accuses the Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers of malfeasance, corruption and violating the Constitution.

Much of their anger is focused on Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya. He's a vocal supporter of the anti-Thaksin demonstrators whose actions helped oust previous pro-Thaksin governments.

But analysts say street demonstrations by Thaksin loyalists are unlikely to continue.

Editor:Zhang Ning