Thailand's prime minister said his critics planted four small bombs in a southern province in an effort to discredit his administration ahead of a parliamentary no-confidence debate that begins Thursday.The opposition is seeking to censure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and five Cabinet ministers, accusing them of mismanaging the country.
Mr. Abhisit took office in December following months of instability and protests by opponents of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose loyalists
dominate the opposition. Mr. Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 military coup; he fled into exile last year and was later convicted in absentia of violating a conflict of interest law.
Police Col. Pornsak Nuannoo said officers defused four small explosive devices in Surat Thani province, a stronghold of Abhisit's Democrat Party. One was planted behind a Democrat Party billboard near its provincial office.
Mr. Abhisit said the bombs represented "a hidden political agenda" and "an attempt to discredit the government." He did not elaborate.
The House of Representatives is expected to hold a no-confidence vote on the prime minister, foreign minister, finance minister, deputy finance minister, interior minister and deputy interior minister at the end of the two-day debate.
Resignation is customary if a majority of lawmakers vote against any minister, but the Democrat-led ruling coalition controls a majority in the house and is expected to prevail.
Part of the debate will likely focus on links between the Democrats and protesters who occupied the prime minister's office and Bangkok's two airports last year in an effort to unseat a previous pro-Thaksin administration.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya spoke on several occasions from the protesters' stage and praised their activism. The protesters accused Mr. Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power in office.
Mr. Abhisit became prime minister in December after a court ruled that the previous pro-Thaksin ruling party was guilty of election fraud.
Police Col. Pornsak Nuannoo said officers defused four small explosive devices in Surat Thani province, a stronghold of Abhisit's Democrat Party. One was planted behind a Democrat Party billboard near its provincial office.
Mr. Abhisit said the bombs represented "a hidden political agenda" and "an attempt to discredit the government." He did not elaborate.
The House of Representatives is expected to hold a no-confidence vote on the prime minister, foreign minister, finance minister, deputy finance minister, interior minister and deputy interior minister at the end of the two-day debate.Resignation is customary if a majority of lawmakers vote against any minister, but the Democrat-led ruling coalition controls a majority in the house and is expected to prevail.
Part of the debate will likely focus on links between the Democrats and protesters who occupied the prime minister's office and Bangkok's two airports last year in an effort to unseat a previous pro-Thaksin administration.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya spoke on several occasions from the protesters' stage and praised their activism. The protesters accused Mr. Thaksin of corruption and abuse of power in office.
Mr. Abhisit became prime minister in December after a court ruled that the previous pro-Thaksin ruling party was guilty of election fraud.
Courtesy: Associated Press
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