Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said positive signals for Thailand's economy have started to become visible and the capital market was moving in a better direction, while he expects the global economy to start recovering next year.

Speaking at Money Expo 2009 at Queen Sirikit centre, Mr Abhisit reiterated the government's stimulus measures would cushion the effects of the global economic crisis.

As for the issue of domestic politics affecting investor confidence, the premier said over the past few days the country witnessed public unity in observing Buddhism and displaying loyalty to the King.

He said the issue of banks not approving loans was a current problem, and the government was tending to this issue by taking on some of the lending risk to help financial institutions.

He said the government expects the financial sector to be able to tend to the needs of businesses in times of economic trouble.

The prime minister added the present economic woes all stemmed from external factors. Fundamentally the Thai economy remained strong.