Around the World: Thailand

No-confidence vote for PM

Thailand's main opposition party opened a no-confidence debate yesterday against the prime minister and five key Cabinet ministers, accusing the government of taking power illegitimately and mismanaging the country.

The opposition was seeking to censure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who took office in December following months of protests by opponents of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra. The two-day debate, initiated by the opposition Phuea Thai Party, is to culminate in a vote tomorrow that the opposition says it does not expect to win but hopes will sway public support.