Thai PM faces no confidence vote over protests

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.

The two-day debate aims to focus attention on tough measures used to break up the “red shirt” protests which ended on May 19, and could force Abhisit to defend the firing of live ammunition by troops during a six-week period in which 88 people were killed and nearly 2,000 wounded. The opposition also accuses Abhisit and five cabinet ministers of corruption and economic mismanagement.

The no-confidence motion is led by the Puea Thai Party, backed by ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Puea Thai is expected to win the most seats in the next election.