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.

But Abhisit is expected to survive the motion during a vote tomorrow with strong support from his six-party coalition.

“I’m here to ask for justice for the victims of the clashes. There has to be a proper investigation instead of the government blaming terrorists for everything,” Jatuporn Prompan, a red-shirt leader and Puea Thai lawmaker, said before the debate.

Puea Thai speakers, broadcast live on television, said excessive and illegal measures, such as night-time operations and the use of live ammunition, were used by troops in attempts to surround two protest sites and disperse demonstrators.

Abhisit defended the actions, saying shadowy militants lurking among peaceful demonstrators triggered the bloodshed, which he said was aimed at trying to discredit his government.

“The government and the security forces had no intention to hurt civilians but what happened followed an armed group’s attack on troops and civilians which led to clashes,” Abhisit said.

The mostly rural and urban poor protesters havedemanded a snap election, claiming Abhisit came to power illegitimately inDecember 2008 through parliamentary backroom dealing with the help of the military.