PM-elect sees few changes ahead

"According to law, the term of the House is four years. Eight months have passed so far, and we will have to deduce from that," Somchai said when asked if his government would be temporary, as predicted by some observers.

In reference to the ongoing political conflict, the PM-elect said his greatest wish was to restore peace and unity. "It's time for reconciliation. We will have to make Thailand peaceful and good for living," he said.

Though he declined to talk about his Cabinet line-up, citing the fact that his nomination is subject to royal endorsement, he said he would attend to immediate problems like flooding and the distress triggered by bankruptcies in the United States.

Somchai also said he would seek advice from his predecessor, Samak Sundaravej, and would work closely with opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. He also welcomed recommendations from people outside the Parliament.

With regards to his brother-in-law Thaksin Shinawatra, he would not say if he had been given any advice for even congratulations for being given the top post.

At the House of Representatives meeting yesterday, Somchai obtained 298 votes compared to 163 for Abhisit. Somchai, Abhisit, House Speaker Chai Chidchob and his two deputies Samart Kaewmeechai and Apiwan Wiriyachai abstained.

After the voting result was announced by the House speaker, Somchai thanked everyone for their support and even walked up to Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa to show his gratitude face to face.

While waiting for the results, MPs from factions that supported Somchai from the beginning started congratulating him. However, MPs close to banned influential politician Newin Chibchob, who previously backed Samak's re-nomination, chose to talk to one another even though they were few rows away from the new PM.

Somchai only just managed to secure support from MPs in the "Friends of Newin" faction on the eve of the voting, reportedly after hours of lobbying, bargaining and delivering some warnings.

Samak did not join yesterday's session, because, according to Somchai, he was caught in rush-hour traffic. The PM-elect was quick to add that he did not feel slighted and would call on Samak for advice later.