Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Thai Opposition Leader Takes Office as PM

Abhisit confirmed, but special elections may threaten his majority

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2008 6:27 AM CST
Email

(Newser) – Abhisit Vejjajiva, the opposition leader of Thailand who lost an election only a year ago, has been confirmed as the country's new prime minister, reports the BBC. The British-born 44-year-old takes power after days of horse-trading among Thailand's political parties, with supporters of the exiled Thaksin Shinawatra allegedly offered cabinet posts and cash for their votes. Abhisit becomes the first PM from Thailand's Democratic Party in 8 years.

Outside of parliament pro-Thaksin protesters denounced Abhisit as the "army nominee" and accused the Democrats of a "silent coup." His acclamation in parliament comes after a court dissolved 3 political parties and banned the previous PM from politics. But Thailand's political crisis may not be over; a series of special elections to fill now vacant seats may favor Thaksin supporters and deprive Abhisit of his majority.

Protesters attack a car coming out of parliament with rocks after the voting for the country's new prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.
Protesters attack a car coming out of parliament with rocks after the voting for the country's new prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.   (AP Photo)
New Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks to reporters at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.
New Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks to reporters at Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 15, 2008.   (AP photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gather for an outdoor rally Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gather for an outdoor rally Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Parliament chose the opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's prime minister Monday following months of political chaos.
Parliament chose the opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's prime minister Monday following months of political chaos.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
A pro-Thaksin Shinawatra supporter throws punches at police as Thai legislators attempt to leave Parliament Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.
A pro-Thaksin Shinawatra supporter throws punches at police as Thai legislators attempt to leave Parliament Monday, Dec. 15, 2008, in Bangkok, Thailand.   (AP Photo/David Longstreath)
Parliament chose opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's prime minister Monday following months of political chaos.
Parliament chose opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's prime minister Monday following months of political chaos.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Can Abhisit mend Thailand?
Time

A profile of the young leader
BBC

 
Thailand • Asia • Thaksin Shinawatra • Thai protesters • Somchai Wongsawat • Abhisit Vejjajiva

More Newser Stories

Thais Collect Buckets of Blood—to Hurl in Protest

Thai Protesters Form New Political Party

Thai Protests Break Up

Economy Spurs Renewed Thai Protests

Protests Return to Bangkok
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne