Thailand

PM dodges blockade to give first speech

Article published on the 2008-12-30 Latest update 2008-12-30 15:54 TU

Demonstrators outside the Foreign Ministry
(Photo: Reuters)

New Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva succeeded in delivering his inaugural speech on Tuesday by relocating to the Foreign Ministry and giving up attempts to enter a parliament building blockaded by over 2,000 of his opponents. He promised to regain the confidence of tourists after a blockade of airports which brought his government to power.

"My government will restore normalcy to the country and make Thailand victorious," Abhisit said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

The constitution requires that a statement of policy must be given to parliament before the government can start work.

But MPs who supported the ousted government of Somchai Wongsawat boycotted Abhisit's speech, saying that his government should stand down and face elections.

Thousands of their red-shirted supporters gathered outside parliament on Sunday night and forced Abhisit to put off his speech on Monday. 

They kept up their blockade on Tuesday and tried to move on to the Foreign Ministry, where some of them clashed with riot police but failed to prevent Abhisit and his supporters entering the building.

"The urgent measures in the first year are restoring confidence and stimulating the economy," said Abhisit.

But, with a Foreign Minister who helped organise the airport protests, his government is likely to face more stormy demonstrations.