[Tlc] T-politics

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Dr. Bonnie Brereton.
Thanks,
justin

"I will be everyone's prime minister" : Abhisit
By The Nation

PM Abhisit vows not to allow airport seizure again and restore Thailand's stability and make it to be land of free and smiles.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has declared Wednesday he will be "prime minister of every Thai citizen", in a nationwide message clearly intended to address his biggest challenge, the country's deep political divide.

Addressing the nation immediately after receiving the royal command appointing him Thailand's 27th prime minister, Abhisit vowed to solve the country's "political failure" which led to the on-going crisis.

While reconcilation was a main theme of Abhisit's message, his statements may not sound that sweet to his opponents' ears as they could have been perceived as a mild swipe at Thaksin Shinawatra.

He began with a firm pledge to protect Thailand's highest institution, the monarchy, then went on to vow not to create divisiveness with discriminatory practices, strictly uphold the rule of law and never abuse political mandate.

He added, "It is my every intention to restore the picture of Thailand that friends all around the world used to know. "I will do this through a grand plan of reconciliation based on the rule of law and democratic process."

Abhisit said he wanted not just to end the turmoil "but also take Thailand forward politically and economically.

"I will work for all Thai people, both those who voted for me and against me,'' he said, adding, "but I can promise you that I will be everyone's prime minister."

 "Today, our country must be united," he said.

He insisted, "Only those who have ill intentions toward this country are my enemies."

Referring to the airport's seizure by protesters, Abhisit said he will not allow reoccurence of airport seizure. "We regret the incident and will not allow it to happen again. Those are things of the past. They will never happen again."

In addition, the "political failure" will be tackled by his government's efforts to give justice to all, meaning the rule of law will be applied and enforced without discrimination, he said. The new prime minister also vowed to serve honestly and never to abuse its mandate.

His government is set to announce a comprehensive economic policy package soon in a bid  to restore confidence and prepare the country for the expected economic slowdown.

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Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu