No more tear gas against protest

Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Somchai said he wanted to inform the nation about the general situation.

The prime minister said he had decided to address the people once in a while instead of holding a regular talk programme like his predecessors.

"If there is something which the people should know, I'll inform them," Somchai said.

He said his public address had nothing to do with the rallies of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship in Bangkok on Saturday and yesterday. The DAAD is the arch-rival of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Somchai said police would try to prevent clashes between the two groups and he hoped that each side would realise the country had already had enough economic problems.

Somchai said he agreed to take the post of prime minister because he wanted to come in to tackle poverty and the economic hardship of people.

"Actually, after the announcement of the government's policy, I would like to devote my time to tackle poverty and take care of people in hardship," Somchai said.

"And I want to take care of people affected by flooding after deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resigned. I'll appoint another official to rehabilitate the affected people soon. I would rather do these kinds of jobs."

Somchai assured that police would not use tear gas against PAD protesters again when they rally in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters today.

He said the government and police would comply with the injunction of the Administrative Court, which ordered authorities to refrain from using violence against the protesters.

Somchai stayed at his house until 1pm when went to observe the rehearsal of the procession of the royal cremation of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.

Somchai took part in the procession and was seen smiling. He returned home after the rehearsal.