By Avudh Panananda The Nation Published on August 7, 2009

"From the start, I realised it was my duty to overcome a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Hence I have pledged for my government to work harder than ever before in order to serve the public and bring happiness to Thai citizens," he said.

Abhisit said that although divisive issues persisted, his government had managed to put out the fire and check the downward spiral of confidence.

"We have already passed the worst abyss, from which none of us could see a way out," he added.

When the government came to power six months ago, Thailand was like a house on fire, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday, showcasing his six-month performance report of more than 100 achievements and pledging to work harder to overcome social divisions and rebuild the country.

He outlined his government's three-stage strategy for advancing the country. First, providing relief measures for coping with the ailing economy. Second, tackling the economic and political woes engulfing the country. And third, rebuilding the country for sustainable progress.

Within six months, the government had cushioned the impact of the global economic downturn and churned out remedies to fight economic and political woes, he said. For the government's remaining term, the priority will be on nation-rebuilding through the "Strong Thailand" project.

Highlights among the 100 achievements include free 15-year compulsory education, benefiting more than 12 million young people - an elusive goal for many past governments but made possible for the first time under this administration.

Moreover, more than 3.5 million senior citizens are presently receiving Bt500 monthly allowances and farmers have access to a new, improved price scheme for agricultural products. Workers can also access retraining schemes to cushion impacts from job redundancy, Abhisit said.

Underprivileged residents have been provided with five relief measures, including free bus and train services and free water and electricity supplies.

For rebuilding under the Strong Thailand project, financing will come from tapping into domestic funds through the sale of government saving bonds.

Debt-financing spending is geared to improving the agriculture sector, transportation and logistics infrastructure and education, health and tourism services, the premier said.

In regard to the violence plaguing the deep South, he said the government would remain focused on a political solution rather than relying on the military approach. Supervision of the strife-torn region will be placed directly under Cabinet.

The prime minister said all indicators pointed to the economy bottoming out. He voiced optimism that revitalisation measures would start to bear fruit during the remainder of the year.

Once heavily demoralised, people now have a glimmer of hope and look forward to their future, he said.

The government has improved welfare benefits in the social security system, he said. It is also working to improve the tax system to ensure fairness, particularly for the collection of land tax revenues.

Commenting on political turbulence, Abhisit said polarisation still persisted even though he was trying to minimise social divisions.

He vowed to uphold the monarchy by preventing politicisation of the revered institution.

He also said he would strive to contain the situation from degenerating into violence.

Abhisit said he took pride in honesty, noting that his government had not been tainted by any graft scandals.