Monarch endorses new Thai premier
Friday, September 19, 2008
SOMCHAI Wongsawat, brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, officially became Thailand's new prime minister yesterday after the king endorsed his election by parliament.
Somchai, dressed in formal whites, received King Bhumibol Adulyadej's order in a brief ceremony at his home which was broadcast live on television.
He prostrated himself in front of a portrait of the king and gave a five-minute speech expressing his loyalty to the monarch and calling for national unity amid global financial woes and anti-government street protests.
"We should compromise, forgive and have mercy for each other. We are facing other problems: people's lives are difficult because of economic problems and we are getting less foreign investment amid the failure of international companies," Somchai said. AFP
Somchai, dressed in formal whites, received King Bhumibol Adulyadej's order in a brief ceremony at his home which was broadcast live on television.
He prostrated himself in front of a portrait of the king and gave a five-minute speech expressing his loyalty to the monarch and calling for national unity amid global financial woes and anti-government street protests.
"We should compromise, forgive and have mercy for each other. We are facing other problems: people's lives are difficult because of economic problems and we are getting less foreign investment amid the failure of international companies," Somchai said. AFP
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