Thai Prime Minister survives no-confidence vote

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-28-2008 15:40

Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his seven cabinet members have survived a no-confidence motion that followed a three-day parliamentary debate.

Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej smiles during  a no-confidence vote at the Parliament House in Bangkok  June 27, 2008.(Sukree Sukplang/Reuters)

The largely symbolic no-confidence motion was put forward Tuesday by the opposition Democrat Party. The motion went against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his seven cabinet members, including the Foreign Minister and Commerce Minister.

The fiery debate lasted longer than scheduled, but in the end Prime Minister Samak survived the no-confidence motion by 280 votes to 162. Observers say it's no surprise as the six parties of the coalition government hold nearly two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.

The opposition party is not disappointed. It says the government cannot avoid reshuffling the cabinet.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party Leader, said, "We are satisfied we were able to point out the faults of the government running the country as well as what could cause damage to the country."

But the Finance Minister denies a cabinet reshuffle is imminent.

Prime Minister Samak was questioned over his leadership and management of the economy. Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama was accused of exchanging interests with former Prime Minister Thaksin while Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan was blamed for launching a cheap rice scheme.

Editor:Du Xiaodan