THAILAND’S powerful military will respect a landslide election win by allies of Thaksin Shinawatra, whom it toppled five years ago, according to the defence minister, easing fears of another coup.

Thailand’s prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has comfortably survived a no-confidence vote in parliament ahead of elections planned for later this year.

Thailand’s ruling Democrat Party staved off possible dissolution today when a court refused to accept a case accusing it of illegal financing.

THAILAND’S parliamentary opposition accused Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of human rights abuses yesterday in a no confidence motion centred on the use of violence in tackling anti-government protests.

Former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra was today convicted of abusing his powers to make a personal fortune and almost a billion dollars of his assets seized.