Britain-born Abhisit, who was voted in by Parliament on Monday after the Thaksin-linked ruling party was dissolved by a court early this month, also urged Thaksin to return home to face corruption trials.

Speaking to Thai media yesterday, the premier said he is planning a visit to the populous north-eastern region known as Isan - Thailand's poorest area and a stronghold of Thaksin where his Democrat Party has been struggling to win support.

'When the appropriate time comes and I have a mission, I will travel there,' he said in an interview on an army-run TV station.

His comments came a day after he vowed a 'grand plan of reconciliation' to heal the country's rifts after months of protests against the previous pro-Thaksin government, led by the now-defunct People Power Party (PPP).

'Many people have a negative attitude towards me. In order to achieve my work I have to rely on everybody. I am democratic and ready to listen even though they do not agree with me; I have to understand their viewpoints.'

Mr Abhisit also urged Thaksin to return to Thailand to face several corruption cases, adding: 'I think that Thai society will be kind to him and give him forgiveness.'

Thaksin is in an undisclosed foreign location, according to wire reports. He was found guilty of helping his wife buy land from the government at a discount, also faces three criminal charges from his five years in power, and a civil case targeting almost US$2.2 billion (S$3.1 billion) of the fortune earned from the telecommunications company he founded.

Mr Abhisit guaranteed that Thaksin will be treated honourably as a former premier. But every legal process will proceed according to law. 'First of all, however, Thaksin has to accept the country's legal procedures.'

The former premier, who made a telephone call to his supporters on Wednesday night, has vowed to return home. During the phone-in which coincided with the inauguration of the Abhisit government, Thaksin raised doubts about whether the Democrat-led coalition will last or solve any problems since it had to pay high prices in the form of money, Cabinet quotas and cars in exchange for the coalition alliance. He attacked the judiciary, the military and the Democrat Party for what he said were their concerted efforts at grabbing power.

The former premier's supporters are preparing to rally against Mr Abhisit outside Parliament next week when the new prime minister gives his policy statement. Many are angry because they feel they have been robbed of their democratic rights.

Despite the PPP's convincing election win a year ago, courts have removed two PPP prime ministers to pave the way for the Democrats' ascent to power.

The new premier said he has no problems with demonstrations because Thailand is a democratic country, adding he will try to understand those who disagree.

'However, it will not be acceptable if they plan or intend to harm other people. They must not do that because those moves would not help anything,' he said.

Turning to the violence in the south, Mr Abhisit said the unrest has economic, cultural and educational dimensions which are beyond the measures being carried out by the military and the police.

He said the unrest will not end unless the government can win mass support through sustainable development and respect for the traditions and faith of the people.

He also accepted that the Thais may not be able to be united within three to six months, but believed the people are relieved that the political conflict has not escalated to more violence.

The new premier is expected to unveil his Cabinet today after royal approval. A likely candidate for Finance Minister is Mr Korn Chatikavanij, a former manager at investment bank JPMorgan Chase and the Democrats' deputy leader.

The Democrat Party also planned to ask former army chief Prawit Wongsuwon to be Defence Minister, party secretary-general Suthep Tuagsuban said.

Mr Suthep confirmed that the Democrats would get 15 portfolios and that the position of Interior Minister would likely go to someone in the Friends of Newin faction which helped the Democrats come to power.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK