A merit-making ceremony is held at Government House on Friday morning as Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva becomes the country’s 27th premier. — Pattanapong Hirunard

New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva helps workers sweep Government House Friday on the first day at his new office. — Pattanapong Hirunard

But once a year: Christmas and New Year spirit is celebrated outside Central World department store in downtown Bangkok. — Pawat Laopaisarntaksin

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Flag-burning Muslims protest at Israel embassy

Hundreds of Thai Muslims demonstrated on Monday in front of Israel's embassy in Bangkok, waving banners, burning the Israeli flag and slingshotting balls of protest statements at the premijses in reaction to Tel Aviv's invasion of Gaza.

300 killed in first 5 days of break

A total of 300 people died in road accidents during the first five days of the New Year holidays, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

Pub owner faces charges of flouting law

Owner Wisuk Setsawat and others responsible for the Santika pub, which caught fire on Thursday causing the loss of 59 lives, will face legal action for admitting underage revellers, letting its insurance lapse and not having an operating licence.

Kasit under fire as foreign minister

The Democrat-led government is under criticism from its members over its plan to appoint former career diplomat Kasit Piromya as foreign minister.

Possible lineup

Deputy Prime Ministers:

PM's text message an 'invasion of privacy'

The Foundation for Consumers has criticised the ruling Democrat party for sending SMS messages to people asking them to help the new government restore the country.

Get consumers spending again, say industry leaders

The local automobile industry, which could be the hardest-hit sector in the global recession, says the government must move aggressively to stimulate domestic spending as exports are sinking

B.Grimm plans B30bn investment

B.Grimm Group, the giant industrial conglomerate, is planning to spend 25 to 30 billion baht to expand its business over the next six years by focusing on the energy, cooling and health-care and lifestyle sectors.

Blue-collar workers like luxury but fakes are fine

Female celebrities aren't the only people loyal to luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Blue-collar women also covet prestige brands but don't mind if they can't afford the real things, according to a survey by McCann Worldgroup, a marketing and communication agency.

Singapore upset Kuwait

Singapore pulled off a sensational five-wicket victory over Kuwait, in a high-scoring match in the Asian Women's Under 19 cricket tournament yesterday in Chiang Mai.

Thailand atfull strength in second leg

Thailand will be at full strength when they meet Indonesia in the semi-final second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup at Rajamangala stadium tomorrow.

Basic rules with opening 66 at Volvo Masters

Unfancied Neven Basic stole the show with an unblemished six-under-par 66 to take the first round lead at the Volvo Masters of Asia yesterday.