New PM vows to reunite Thailand

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-18  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THAILAND'S new prime minister pledged yesterday to fix the country's "failed political system" and work for all Thais, who have been divided by six months of political unrest.

Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his inaugural address that his goal was to restore Thailand's tourist-friendly image as "The Land of Smiles."

Shortly after being sworn in yesterday evening, Abhisit vowed to reunite the nation. "I am well aware that the political situation is abnormal," Abhisit said. "My first job is to end a failed political system."

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the country's constitutional monarch, formally endorsed Abhisit's nomination as prime minister yesterday evening, making him the nation's third prime minister in just four months.

Abhisit, 44, is one of the world's youngest heads of state. He was voted by Parliament to be the country's prime minister on Monday.

He is the first leader of a civilian government led by an opponent of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has loomed over Thai politics since he was ousted by a military coup in 2006.

Abhisit acknowledged the seriousness of the challenges he faces.

"I know one person can't do everything and solve every problem," he said. "I know I can't make everyone love me or support me. But I promise I will listen to everyone and work for everyone."

The United Kingdom-born prime minister faces the difficult task of unifying a country torn apart by months of violent anti-government protests culminating in a siege of Bangkok's two airports - demonstrations that battered the key tourism industry just as the global economy was slipping into crisis.

"I will work for all Thai people, both those who voted for me and against me," he said on national television. "Today, our country must be united."

His first priority, he said, would be to revive Thailand's economy, which economists say is on the verge of recession.