Abhisit vows to bridge political divide, fix economy

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday he would work to end political polarisation and repeated his pledge that his administration would serve "every person in the country".

His promises came at the end of the policy announcement, which took place at the Foreign Ministry instead of parliament after a pro-Thaksin Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) mob prevented MPs entering parliament for a second day.

Abhisit vowed to "give justice to all parties", saying there would be no favouritism to groups which support the government. He has been accused of quietly backing the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD or yellow shirts) and anti-DAAD (red shirts).

His statement referred to the political divide, which has seen two sides making charges against the other over the past year, such as the PAD being accused of ruining the economy by shutting the Bangkok airports.

The session, which began about 11.30am, lasted just two hours because nearly 200 MPs from the opposition Pheu Thai Party boycotted the session. The opposition MPs claim they were not consulted and did not support the change in venue.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the ministry as the policy statement was read.

Abhisit said he "understood" their feelings but insisted his government was legitimately chosen by the parliament.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the meeting had the necessary quorum as 330 members of both houses, or more than half of the members, were present.

Four major policies unveiled by the PM were: protecting and honouring the monarchy, fostering political unity and reconciliation, reviving the economy and developing and stabilising democracy.

Abhisit said he would take "all measures" to prevent people from defaming the monarchy. He said the government would also promote loyalist sentiment among Thais toward the royal institution.

Senator Tuang Antachai, one of the only three members of the House, who spoke after the policy announcement, insisted nothing had been done about websites defaming the monarchy and suggested that "proactive" moves be adopted to promote and praise the royal family.

Tuang also attacked the new government's policy, claiming it had nothing new.

Abhisit, in defence, said no matter what government came to power it had to confront the economic and political problems.

Senator Rosana Tositrakul urged the government to make poverty eradication a "national agenda" item instead of merely dispensing "freebies" through populist policies.

Abhisit replied that populist policies were necessary to kick-start the economy and said that governments "throughout the world" did the same. He noted, however, that he may review subsidies for power and water charges, as it appeared some people consumed wastefully since they were announced by the Samak Sundaravej government.

Rosana also urged politicians to stop corruption, which she said led to "failed politics". She also asked the government to reform media outlets that spread hatred.

Senator Gen Lertrat Rattanawanich, another of those who spoke, urged the pro-Thaksin DAAD members to make a "sacrifice" and allow the government to work, noting that one day, the opposition party could return to power.

Abhisit spoke at the Foreign Ministry's Vithesamosorn Conference Room. He said the policies announced were meant for the three years left for the administration.

He also hinted there may be political reforms later that may require a change to the constitution. He added, however, that the process would be overseen by outsiders accepted by all sides.