Security officials quickly escorted the prime minister into the building on Sathorn Road and the unidentified man disappeared into the crowd.

The officials also removed leaflets attacking Thaksin from the scene.

Undeterred by the incident, Thaksin said he was upbeat about the economy battered by the political uncertainty.

"Inspite of gloomy mood, the economy actually grew 6.2 per cent in the first quarter," he said.

He predicted the GDP to grow by 4.5 per cent this year citing robust exports and favourable commodity prices.

"Many people have misunderstood the government and tend to judge it hastily," he said.

Certain academics blamed the government for squandering public funds to sway votes which could in turn trigger economic ruins, he said.

"These people are either ignorant or finding a pretext to attack the government," he said.

He claimed that his administration had lowered the debttoGDP rate from 61 per cent to 41 per cent.

Under his watch, the country's international reserve rose to US$60 billion (Bt2.3 trillion), he said.

He voiced optimism that foreing investors would return once the political uncertainty ended.

"Confusion persists because relevant parties are struggling for power regardless of consequences," he said.

His ruling party won the majority of 377 House seats but there was a concerted movement to overthrow the government," he said.

Democratic rule with the King as head of state has prevailed because His Majesty signed the royal decree approving the new election on October 15, he said.

The Nation