Prime Minister, who was grilled over forceful dispersal of antigovernment "red-shirt" movement as well as border dispute and economic issues, got 249 supporting votes, or 52 percent of the house, from the lawmakers in the no-confidence debate. A total of 184 MPs voted against him and 11 MPs abstained while 23 others did not cast any vote.

Deuty Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who was targeted for last year's dispersal of the "red-shirts" and corruption involving palm oil management, survived with 249 MPs supporting him. A total of 185 MPs voted against him and 13 MPs abstained.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij from ruling Democrat party, accused of share manipulation, was supported by 245 MPs. A total of 185 MPs voted against him and 12 MPs abstained.

Commerce Minister Pornthiwa Nakasai, an MP of coalition Bhumjaithai party who was alleged for mismanagement of rice and palm oil stock pile, received the backing of 251 MPs. PM's Office Minister Ong-arj Klampaibul, attacked over alleged irregularities in use of funds for government public relations work, survived with 246 MPs voting for him.

Information and Communications Technology Minister Chuti Krairiksh, targeted over alleged irregularities in 3G bidding and over a contract between CAT Telecom and True Corporation, was backed by 247 lawmakers. While Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, a lawmaker from coalition Bhumjaithai party, Saturday survived the no-confidence vote with 250 MPs voting for him.

Transport Minister Sophon Saram, another MP from Bhumjaithai party, grilled for alleged irregularities in the blue-line electric train project and maintenance projects of the Highways and Rural Roads departments, gained supporting of 248 MPs.

And Deputy Agriculture Minister Supachai Phosu, censured for alleged unlawful occupation of 700 rai (1.12 sq km) of public land to plant rubber trees in central Nakhon Phanom province, got the least supporting of 243 MPs and narrowly survived the censure debate.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, targeted for alleged mishandling of foreign affairs, particularly Thai-Cambodian border dispute, secured 247 supporting votes.

The four-day censure debate on March 15-18, led by Puea Thai, the opposition party, backed by the ousted former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra, aimed at grilling the PM and ministers individually as well as impeaching them if they were found guilty.

In order to pass the no-confidence debate, a minister needs backing votes from half the quorum of overall attending MPs.