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New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva received royal endorsement on Wednesday and immediately announced he has a "grand plan" for reconciliation, revival of the economy and a renewed image abroad.
In his first public speech after receiving an official royal decree of appointment, Mr Abhisit said:
"It is my every intention to restore the picture of Thailand that friends all around the world used to know.
"I will do this through a grand plan of reconciliation based on the rule of law and democratic process," he added.
He dressed in a white ceremonial uniform and spoke in Thai, and then English.
He acknowledged that protests against the previous government which blocked Bangkok's airports had damaged Thailand's image internationally.
But he gave few specific policies he intends to bring in, although he said he wanted not just to end the turmoil "but also take Thailand forward politically and economically".
Mr Abhisit earlier said his government would announce an economic stimulus programme by January and pledged to choose a "competent" cabinet, expected soon.
"The issue of the economy is very challenging," he said, adding that Thailand not only had to repair investor confidence shattered by the prolonged political turmoil but also deal with the global financial crisis.
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