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Published on January 30, 2008

In an address, Samak appealed to all parties to back his government while the nation struggles to revive from its political crisis.

He also appeared to defend ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra against claims of attempting to undermine the monarchy - although he did not mention the name the person he was referring to.

The royal command was read to Samak at his house at 5.40pm in a ceremony shown live on television.

"I have become the government leader while the country is in trouble. I beg all of you to support my coalition government," he said.

He appealed to those who have said he would be an inefficient prime minister to give him a chance to prove he can do well in the new role.

He said he had served in a number of posts during half his life in politics, which was a guarantee of his competence. And while this was the first time he had held the post of prime minister, he would not work alone and had a team to help him carry out his tasks.

Samak said the monarchy had for decades kept the heart of the people united. But he hit out at a movement that had sought to use the monarchy to lead its campaign to oust the previous (Thaksin) regime.

He said the election results proved the majority of people rejected the claim Thaksin was disrespectful to the monarchy.

Although some people would keep criticising and opposing him he would be patient in delivering his goals.

On Monday, the People Power leader beat Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva by 310 to 163 votes with support from his coalition parties.

The Nation