PM vows to stabilise politics

The government is striving for political stability and the restoration of international confidence in Thailand, says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"I want to send the message that we are back in business," the prime minister told a forum on Wednesday organised by the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.

Mr Abhisit said the main goal of the Democrat-led government was to return the country, plagued by political divisions, to normal by ensuring justice and the rule of law.

The government would carry out its duty with transparency and good governance, he said, adding that the cabinet would work "without corruption and without violations of human rights".

Mr Abhisit interpreted the win of the Democrat party in the by-elections last Sunday, when the coalition parties won 20 of the 29 seats, as a signal from voters that they were behind the government in its efforts to end political instability.

The party also won the Bangkok governor election on the same day with MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra winning the poll ahead of the candidate from the rival Puea Thai.

Mr Abhisit assured fairness for both his supporters and opponents in an attempt to bring about reconciliation.

"We will work for Thais, no matter who they are, no matter the colour of the shirts they wear," he said.

The forum was held at the InterContinental Hotel where about 50 protesters rallied outside with banners calling for the government to stand down.

Thailand needs political reform, Mr Abhisit told those present.

The reform would be carried out by a panel to be set up with representatives from all sectors of the country, he said.

The prime minister conveyed the same message earlier on Wednesday when he met ambassadors and leaders of international organisations based in Thailand at Government House.

He told them Thailand had suffered uncertainty this past year and now was heading towards stability.

He said the government wanted to work closely with foreign diplomats to restore investor confidence.

He urged all countries not to use trade measures to protect their markets.

Protectionism would hamper attempts to tackle the economic situation, Mr Abhisit said.

All ambassadors of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations assured the prime minister their leaders would attend the delayed Asean summit.

The summit will be held from Feb 27 to March 1 in the resort district of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The summit will focus on attempts to foster economic, political and social ties among the 10 members of the grouping.

Thailand is chairman of the regional bloc until December this year.

Asean comprises Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Thailand has backed East Timor to become a new member.