Reasonably enough, Mr Abhisit has said that his first priority in office will be to restore economic confidence after months of chaos.

ECONOMIST: Thailand��s new prime minister faces a near-impossible job

The people who were hurt by recession, those who lost their jobs or had to leave school, are innocent victims, undeserving of punishment, said Abhisit.

CNN: Now, the Sinatra Principle

The prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has said he wants to promote national reconciliation under a five-point plan that he presented in early May, including a promise to hold elections in November.

ECONOMIST: And finding that, in Thailand, they no longer fit together

Reacting to suggestions that economic recovery is diminishing East Asia's zeal for tough restructuring, Abhisit, 35, said that if a rebound weren't on the way, it would be harder to convince suffering citizens that reforms were necessary.

CNN: Now, the Sinatra Principle

But Mr Abhisit, whose term ends in late 2011, said in a speech on May 23rd that his commitment to an election date no longer applies.

ECONOMIST: And finding that, in Thailand, they no longer fit together

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the present prime minister, rejected their ultimatum but said he would listen to their grievances.

ECONOMIST: Politics this week