The interim government is determined to complete its one-year term and will ensure the promulgation of a credible constitution to usher in the next administration elected by a free and fair vote, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.

"I am not disheartened as I anticipated problems ahead of assuming office," Surayud said, shrugging off a drop in popularity.

He was speaking at the fourth monthly press conference since the coup to review the government's performance.

Surayud said he had not wavered in his determination to serve the country and overcome problems confronting society.

"Even His Majesty the King commented that the country was confronted with a serious crisis," he said, referring to social divisions before the Sept 19 coup.

The PM recounted that he met coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin three times before accepting the position of interim prime minister, and urged all political sides not to harbour grudges and embrace reconciliation.

Commenting on the botched appointment of Somkid Jatusripitak as economic envoy, he said he saw no negative impact on his government after Somkid was pressed to resign because of his strong unsevered link to the ousted government and fears his previous economic policies undermined his credibility to explain the sufficiency economy theory to foreign investors.

Surayud said Somkid was given the job to foster international understanding

but had no mandate to make any

binding agreements on the government's behalf. Hence, his stay or departure had nothing to do with the government, he said.

The PM repeated his stand that he had no hidden political agenda in appointing Somkid, saying he only wanted to dispel any misconceptions on the sufficiency economy theory.

In reacting to speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister said he had no plans for a new ministerial line-up.

"This government has a short term and frequent changes might lead to bad consequences rather than good ones," he said, adding he would not replace ministers as long as they continued to uphold honesty, transparency and a good team spirit.

He vowed to heed opinion poll

results on his sagging popularity and conceded that might be because of little tangible progress in quelling violence in the deep South even though it was a top priority.

"I will devote more effort to building peace and social order before the expiry of my term," he said.

The prime minister said his government was poised to launch a campaign to reorient the national development to focus on social happiness rather than material growth.

Turning to one of his key accomplishments in the past four months, he said he was proud to ensure timely relief for flood victims and to complete various rehabilitation programmes within the deadline.

When the government assumed office in October, seasonal floods wreaked havoc in 47 provinces.