Govt sails through no-confidence vote

BANGKOK, 2 June 2010 (NNT) – All six cabinet members survived the no-confidence vote on Wednesday morning although half of them failed to get full marks from their coalition partners.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy overseeing security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban, and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij passed the vote smoothly while Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya passed with less supporting votes.

Prime Minister Abhisit from the ruling Democrat Party was voted 246 to 186 to support his post with 11 abstentions, while 21 failed to vote.

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep from Democrat was voted 245 to 187 with 11 abstentions, while 21 failed to vote.

Finance Minister Korn from Democrat was voted 244 to 187 with 12 abstentions, while 22 failed to vote.

Foreign Minister Kasit from Democrat was voted 239 to 190 with 15 abstentions while 21 failed to vote.

Interior Minister Chavarat from the coalition Bhumjaithai Party was voted 236 to 194 with 14 abstentions while 22 failed to vote.

Transport Minister Sopon from Bhumjaithai was voted 234 to 196 with 13 abstentions while 22 failed to vote.

Less support given to the latter three ministers was expected to result from the decision of the coalition Puea Pandin allowing its party MPs to vote freely.