Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and other Cabinet members answer questions from Government House reporters at their first official meeting with media representatives yesterday.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday asked the media and the public to contain criticism until his government can make progress after the annual budget is allocated by early January.

He said the government needed to follow the laws and procedures, and many projects needed clearer plans and budgets before the government could start its work.

The budget funds could be allocated in December or early January, he said.

"After January, the plans and budget will be ready. [People and the media] must help to verify whether the government does what it says. In the meantime, we will work with words in creating understanding," he said.

One hundred and one eager media representatives attended the one hour "Meet the Press" session at Government House - which was extended by 20 minutes.

Other members of the Cabinet, including Deputy PM and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy PM and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras, and PM's Office ministers Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan and Thirapat Serirangsan, also took part in yesterday's session.

Surayud said he wanted to hear what people think through the media, at the same time the media should relay the government's messages to people.

A reporter asked when would the government be able to show what it had achieved to meet the people's expectations in creating reconciliation in the country, as during the first month Surayud had shown he was a fine and decent character, but there had been no achievements. Surayud said he wasn't that decent.

However, the country's reconciliation could be achieved when people understand the country's condition and helped to solve the problems.

"It's what people say about our aged ministers - we have to give them some time to work, then wait and see how it will go. I can't just push a button and say what it must be like. I can't. Give us some more time. When the 2007 annual budget is allocated in the National Legislative Assembly, we will start showing you what we can do," he said.

He said people and the media should pay more attention to reconciliation issues and think creatively, and don't be distracted by political movements or colourful issues like the expectation of politicians coming back to power.

Surayud said he needed to consult the Council for National Security (CNS) about when to lift martial law. However, the issue might be clearer after the Cabinet meeting today.

When a reporter asked what Surayud would do with people who caused rifts in society, Surayud said he would focus on creating unity. He would see whether the groups could compromise. However, he would not be rewarding people but considering people's ability.

For example, deputy Prime Minister's secretary-general Weerachai Weeramethikul also worked in the Thaksin government. He did not want to incite people by thinking someone was an enemy, he said.

The PM's meetings with the press have been scheduled for every second Monday of each month.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation