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Abhisit hits back at motion

'I have full legitimacy under the constitution to take this position,' Mr Abhisit (left), the head of the ruling Democrat Party, told parliament. A vote is due to take place on Saturday. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

BANGKOK - THAI Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected allegations of corruption and draft-dodging on Thursday as the opposition launched a heated censure debate against the government.

The move, led by allies of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is almost certain to fail but opposition lawmakers hope that the allegations against Mr Abhisit and five ministers will weaken the ruling coalition.

During the live televised debate Mr Abhisit held up pictures of himself to prove his military status, hoping to deflect claims about skipping military service which have dogged him since he came to power three months ago.

'I have full legitimacy under the constitution to take this position,' Mr Abhisit, the head of the ruling Democrat Party, told parliament. A vote is due to take place on Saturday.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, leading the debate for the main opposition Puea Thai party, said that Mr Abhisit and his party had 'robbed' the previous government of power. 'I want to ask for justice,' he said.

Mr Chalerm accused the premier of protecting Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya over his support for the PAD's airport siege. Kasit reportedly said the blockade, which cost Thailand billions of dollars, was 'a lot of fun'.

He also alleged that Mr Abhisit had certified false party financial statements, and that the Democrats had received millions of dollars in illegal donations and illegally distributed funds from the electoral commission.

As the debate intensified, Mr Abhisit showed off a framed picture of himself in military uniform to hit back at claims from another MP that he had dodged military service.

He also held up a class picture from Thailand's Royal Military Academy, saying he had been made an officer when he taught economics there but gave up the rank after leaving because of his decision to enter politics.

The Oxford-educated Mr Abhisit is expected to win the censure vote with the help of coalition allies, but the motion underlines his dependence on smaller parties - including former foes - to form a government.

Mr Abhisit is named in the motion alongside Mr Kasit, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, his deputy Pradit Patharaprasit, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul and his deputy Boonchong Wongtrairat.

The pro-Thaksin Puea Thai party was formed from the remnants of the former ruling People Power Party, which was disbanded by the constitutional court in December for alleged electoral fraud. -- AFP

source: Abhisit hits back at motion