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When the Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was chosen as prime minister yesterday in the Parliament, with 235 votes to 198, there was a huge sigh of relief from many. After all, until the hour before voting started, leading members of the defunct People Power Party such as Chalerm Yoobamrung, bragged that their new Puea Thai Party would prevail and win by at least ten votes to form the next coalition government. But the outcome was different. With a clear winner from the opposition, now is the time to look ahead, even as huge challenges await Thailand.

At 44, Abhisit is among the youngest world leaders. In the first 100 days in office, he must demonstrate boldness and far-sightedness on economic policies, especially fiscal policies and income distribution in rural areas. As an economist from Oxford University, he should know how to stimulate the sluggish economy.

It is good he is taking care of the economy. With his clean image and record, he can form a strong team to tackle the economic malaise head-on. He does not own a company or have personal interests that would affect any economic plan. He has reiterated that the rule of law will be applied equally under his administration. To carry all economic objectives, his government must be given time. Many political pundits have already predicted that his government will not last long because there are too many coalition members. But from his leadership and the quality of his oratory skills, we believe otherwise.

Abhisit has pragmatic views that will form the basis of his programmes. He must put into place policies that benefit the poor in both rural and urban areas, so his government can garner further support and begin healing the rift within Thai society. He must bring into the Cabinet persons with ability and merit, not just party affiliation.

Unemployment, declining investment and resuscitation of the tourism sector must all be tackled immediately. The economic outlook is pretty gloomy and next year there could be one million people unemployed. Ways must be found to prevent job losses. Foreign investors want assurances from the government on political stability and levels of predictability. Tourism, which has become the biggest source of foreign revenue, needs rejuvenating with value packages and incentives, especially over the next few months.

Beyond these immediate domestic issues, Abhisit will have a difficult job rebuilding lost confidence in Thailand among Asean members and the international community. He has repeatedly said that Asean will be high on the agenda for his government. He has already signalled that he prefers an early Asean summit, possibly from 24-26 February.

Abhisit's commitment to Asean and his assurance of Thailand hosting a smooth summit has regained some regional confidence in the Asean chair. The new government will be engaged with Asean affairs because, in the coming 12 months, apart from the postponed 14th summit, Thailand will also hold two additional meetings in July and December 2009. Regaining the respect of Asean members through the success of the summit will be an important first step for the Democrat-led government. If history is any judge, the Democrats have a good record in winning over the international community with respect to human rights, freedom of expression and principles of democracy.

Abhisit's government will have to work very hard to explain the complex issues in Thai politics, especially those related to the military, media and monarchy. In the past few years, foreign media have delivered diverse views of Thai politics - real or imagined - and it is imperative for Abhisit to show that Thailand represents democracy.

In the hours since he was chosen prime minister, he has said the right things concerning his role and Thailand's future. Now he has to show that he can put all of his knowledge to work for the good of the country. We trust that this is a task he is capable of achieving.