BangkokPost.com
His Majesty the King endorsed Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's 27th Prime Minister on Wednesday evening.
After the endorsement, the new premier held a news conference, announcing that his priority is to restore reconciliation and end political conflict based on the rule of law and democratic process.
"The new government will protect the monarchy... and will restore the unity in the country," he said on a national broadcast. "I will put Thailand forward, politically and economically."
He apologised tourists and investors for the recent closures of airports by members of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and promised that history will not be repeated.
"It will never happen again," he insisted.
British-born Abhisit vowed to work for all the Thais, whether they support him or not, and said his priority is to revive the economy hit by political unrest and global economic slowdown.
Abhisit, who earned a master's degree in economics from Oxford University, said his government would announce economic stimulus package by January, after meeting industry figures.
On Thailand's hosting of the 14th Asean summit, Mr Abhisit said he will try his best to build confidence among Asean members, and will hold the summit "from late January onwards."
Security at the Democrat head-office was tightened after secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban voiced his concern to police that suspicious objects might be placed within the compound.
About 100 police, with a bomb squad team were deployed there to ensure safety.
