thaizer.com

Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has survived a no-confidence vote following the recent violence in Bangkok. Abhisit and five of his ministers were facing censure for the way in which they handled the anti-government red shirt protest which began in Bangkok in mid-March and finally ended amid violent scenes in May. Speaking during the debate, Abhisit has stressed the need for national reconciliation and reaffirmed his commitment to his plan for social and political reform although elections may now have to wait until next year. The no-confidence motion, which was tabled by the opposition Puea Thai Party, accused the government and army of using excessive force to deal with the protests.

One of the red shirt leaders, Jatuporn Promphan, is also a member of parliament for the Puea Thai Party and he was one of the key speakers in the televised debate. Jatuporn accused the government of being behind the arson attack on the Central World shopping mall as part of a government attempt to discredit the red shirt leaders. He also accused the Thai military of being responsible for the deaths of at least six people who died within the grounds of a temple. As a result of his role in the protests, Jatuporn faces multiple charges including terrorism.

Abhisit is the leader of the Democrat Party and he was backed in the debate by his coalition allies. When Abhisit came to power in December 2008 he headed a weak coalition and many experts predicted he wouldn’t last long. However, Abhisit has now successfully staved off two separate and prolonged attempts to force him out of office. The first attempt took place during the first half of 2009 with red shirt street protests in Bangkok which turned violent in April 2009. The most recent attempt began in March 2010 and also ended in violence after it was billed by the red shirt leaders as the final showdown which would topple Abhisit and his government.

Thai history has shown that in times of political turmoil, the outcome is often a military coup. This time round, despite apparent divisions between the army and the government, Abhisit has ultimately received the backing of the Thai military. The next hurdle for Abhisit may be a legal one with the possibility that the Constitution Court could disband the ruling Democrat Party.

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