PRIME MINISTER Abhisit Vejjajiva began his new government's policy speech before noon today.

But red-shirted protesters in Bangkok prevented the PM and other MPs from entering Parliament House, so he spoke instead from the Foreign Ministry building.

The protesters, supporters of disgraced former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his successors, opted to shift their protest to the Foreign Ministry.

Media reports said 310 MPs convened at the special session of Parliament to hear the speech.

Phuket, deprived of adequate funding for eight years or more, is expected to benefit from the ascendancy to power of a Democrat-led coalition.

Foreign Minister Kasit Pirom promised in Phuket at the weekend that, under the new government, the island would become a special economic zone and receive a fairer share of funding for infrastructure.

Phuket's Bright New Year Starts Today
The New Year break may come with the island embracing the promise of a new beginning, despite the 30 percent downturn in December flight passengers.
Phuket's Bright New Year Starts Today

Phuket Promise: Special Economic Zone Coming
Photo Album Phuket can look forward in 2009 to government promises made by a senior minister. In the new deal: the island becomes a special economic zone and gains fair annual funding.
Phuket Promise: Special Economic Zone Coming