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Alas! The flu outbreak in other parts of the world has become a new hindrance, with a further slowdown expected in tourism-related businesses. Although there are signs of recovery for some industrial sectors in the next quarter, this by no means serves as a morale booster.

Abhisit has to capitalise on domestic resources such as the strength of major state-owned institutions to fire up economic activities that can restore foreign investor confidence in the country's intentions and relative stability.

This must take off immediately. He does not have to wait for clearer signs that are expected to emerge at the Asean meeting with dialogue partners in Phuket in early June. Public sentiment is favourable to him. After the severe test during the Songkran crisis, his political leadership is no longer in question, but his competence in economic management remains in doubt.

Maybe he should seek advice from old hands in and outside the Democrat Party - those with experience of the crisis management of 1997. It should not harm him to get their views as he makes his own decisions in dealing with the pressures at hand.

Ex-party executive and former finance minister Tarrin Nimmanahaeminda might be able to chip in with some advice, if sought. He still retains old connections with those in the financial sector here and abroad. His views were recently sought in an interview given to Voice of America's correspondent in Bangkok, Roy Corben.

In his comments on the ongoing attempts to resolve the economic crisis, Tarrin said that Asian governments would ultimately need to look to export markets for economic revival even after a host of fiscal stimulus measures.

"You can only do so much for so long. In the end you still need to go back to international trade and international services flows as a way out for affected Asian economies," he told VOA.

He also endorsed reform measures in the United States set out by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. The US plan includes setting up public-private investments to soak up as much as 1 trillion dollars (Bt35 trillion) of troubled loans and securities.

Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij still has a lot to do, apart from his earlier focus on stock and financial markets. The real economy needs a big shot in the arm and the government has yet to send a clear signal to export-oriented manufacturers that are struggling hard just to maintain payrolls and not lay off workers.

As a major shareholder in many large state enterprises, the Finance Ministry simply does not exercise its rights, preferring to avoid political turf wars. Abhisit has been forced by political necessity to compromise with some coalition partners whose track records are at best unpalatable and at worst disgraceful. With a strengthened hand, at least, he should not give more ground despite the demands and pressures.

What he faces on the political front are sinister game plans by the opposition in the House, in league with the red-shirt cronies of Thaksin Shinawatra, whose nefarious intentions against his homeland continue to be felt and heard.

The joint move to destabilise the government will become more intense in the next few weeks as red-shirted ringleaders emerge after lying low and licking their wounds. They are busily consulting with their lawyers to fight impending severe criminal charges, which might include sedition and acts of treason, if the police are professionally serious in their duty.

Thaksin and his red-shirted crony campaigners have been weakened for a while by the crackdown and criminal cases. That does not mean they will quit. Thaksin will not be satisfied until he is freed from all criminal charges and has regained his frozen assets.

Political troubles ahead are inevitable for Abhisit, who should not hesitate to exercise his authority in enforcing law and order by whatever legal means possible. He must show that he means business and that a third attempt on his life will not be easy.

In the end, his overall leadership performance will serve as the indicator of public acceptance. If he manages to win big feathers for his cap, the day that he calls a snap election should not be a problem, especially if the hearts and minds of rural folk are on his side. But before that, definite proof of his ability remains elusive.