[QODLink]
Asia-Pacific
New Thai PM set to unveil cabinet
Abhisit pledges to fix "failed political system" and reunite country following unrest.
Last Modified: 18 Dec 2008 22:17 GMT

Abhisit was endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Wednesday [AFP]

Thailand's new prime minister is set to unveil his new cabinet.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Wednesday, has vowed to fix Thailand's "failed political system" and reunite the country following months of political unrest.

He also pledged in his inaugural address to restore Thailand's tourist-friendly image battered by the six months of political turmoil that culminated in an eight-day siege of Bangkok's airports late last month that stranded more than 300,000 travellers.

Abhisit made overtures to the poor rural masses that were the foundation of support for Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister ousted by a military coup in 2006 but whom protesters claim was still behind the government succeeded by Abhisit.

"I will work for all Thai people, both those who voted for me and against me," said the country's third prime minister in four months. "Today, our country must be united."

"I am well aware that the political situation is abnormal," he said, speaking shortly after he was sworn in. "My first job is to end a failed political system."

He said his government would retain populist policies - including cheap credit and healthcare - implemented under Thaksin.

Abhisit, 44, was voted by parliament to be the country's prime minister on Monday after a court dissolved the People Power party leading the previous government, which was packed with Thaksin's allies.

His appointment is expected to bring at least a brief period of calm, although there have already been small and sporadic protests by supporters of the previous government.

Source:
Agencies
Topics in this article
People
Country
Featured on Al Jazeera
More and more people in the US are living in poverty - yet Mitt Romney's policies would further shred the safety net.
As the anniversary of the uprising nears, the country's rulers are denying foreigners entry and hiring PR firms.
Under Obama, six whistleblowers have been charged under the World War I-era Espionage Act.
Journalist who recently spent time with fighters says there is no central leadership to the armed resistance.
<  > 
join our mailing list

Enter Zip Code
Go