Thai lawmakers blame PM for mall fire

The CentralWorld complex was one of dozens of buildings set ablaze across the capital after an army crackdown on an anti-government rally, which saw a series of fatal street clashes between troops and protesters in April and May. -- PHOTO: AFP

BANGKOK - OPPOSITION lawmakers in Thailand have blamed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for last year's huge fire at a major Bangkok shopping mall, during a no-confidence debate against his government.

The CentralWorld complex was one of dozens of buildings set ablaze across the capital after an army crackdown on an anti-government rally, which saw a series of fatal street clashes between troops and protesters in April and May.

The government blamed angry militants from the 'Red Shirt' protest movement for the arson attack, but opponents say guilt lies with the authorities.

'You're to blame for Bangkok's fire,' said Vorawat Auapinyakul, an MP from the opposition Puea Thai party, in a parliamentary debate that went on until 2am local time on Friday.

'I'm not saying you burnt it by yourself but you allowed someone, a man dressed like soldier, to burn it,' he said, also accusing Mr Abhisit of ordering firefighters not to enter the mall and put out the fire.

Mr Abhisit and his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban - both on the list of ruling coalition ministers named in the motion filed by Puea Thai legislators - denied the charge. -- AFP