Thai opposition challenges PM over deadly crackdown

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BANGKOK, May 31 (Reuters): Thailand's parliamentary opposition accused Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of human rights abuses Monday in a no-confidence motion centered on the use of violence during a crackdown on anti-government protests.
The two-day debate aims to focus attention on tough measures used to break up the "red shirt" protests which ended on May 19, and could force Abhisit to defend the firing of live ammunition by troops during a six-week period in which 88 people were killed and nearly 2,000 wounded. The opposition have also accused Abhisit and five cabinet ministers of corruption and economic mismanagement.
The no-confidence motion is led by the Puea Thai Party backed by ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Puea Thai, popular in rural north and northeastern provinces, is widely expected to win the most seats in the next election.
But Abhisit is expected to survive the motion during a vote Wednesday with strong support from his six-party coalition.
Meanwhile, AFP from Paris adds: Thailand's ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra cancelled an appearance in Paris for security reasons, organisers said Monday, after France's government said it asked him not to speak publicly.