Cabinet starts to come clear

Deputy Democrat leader Korn Chatikavanij will be finance minister and former army chief Gen Prawit Wongsuwan will be defence minister in the new government - with Suthep Thaugsuban tending to security and friends of Newin Chidchob in charge of the lucrative transport posts.

A high-ranking source in the Democrats said on Wednesday that the economic team will also comprise Kobsak Sabhavasu, who will be a deputy prime minister in charge of economic affairs, and an outsider, Veerachai Veerametheekul, who will be a PM's Office minister.

The source added that Democrat secretary-general Mr Suthep will be a deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs.

The four names were confirmed in the party's talks last night as it allocated cabinet posts to members and outsiders.

A source in the faction loyal to Newin Chidchob said Interior and Transport will be given to MPs controlled by the Buri Ram politician, with Chavarat Charnvirakul confirmed as interior minister.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday pledged to patch up political divisions and revive the country's economy.

He made the promise in a televised national address after receiving royal endorsement as prime minister.

Mr Abhisit vowed to reunite the country by ensuring the justice system worked without discrimination.

"My primary duty is to end 'failed politics' which is a cause of the divisiveness that has gripped our country. I will do away with the failed political system and restore national conciliation through justice," he said.

He also pledged to work for all Thais - no matter whether they voted for him or not.

He said the government's first priority was to revive the economy. He would present to parliament an economic stimulus package when making his policy statement under the constitution.

Mr Abhisit also sought to restore confidence among foreign investors who were scared away by the closure of Suvarnabhumi airport after it was occupied by protesters.

"We will make sure these are things of the past. They will never happen again and we welcome all of you as tourists, investors and partners," he said.

"It is my full intention to restore the image of Thailand that friends all around the world used to know," he said. "I will do this through a grand plan of reconciliation based on the rule of law and democratic process, " he said.

Early in the day, the Democrat party leader met representatives of the agriculture sector, tourism industry and labour groups.

He said the government would set up a "special mechanism" to manage the economic crisis by speeding the decision-making process.

Only important and urgent issues which need quick approval would go through the special mechanism, he said.

It would provide a fast-track channel, as the normal management channel was unlikely to keep pace with the current crisis.

The government would announce the stimulus package next month.

"The government's first task will be to tackle unemployment," he said, adding that the package will address problems resulting from the domestic and global economic slowdown.

Rehabilitating the battered tourism industry was another urgent issue which would go through the new special mechanism.

On labour issues, Mr Abhisit said worker layoffs needed urgent attention.

He said entrepreneurs and workers would be invited to air their views on possible solutions next month.