Gloomy Outlook for Thai Economy in 2009

One of the reasons for this sharp slowdown is the global economic crisis.

But the political uncertainty in recent months, particularly the week-long occupation of the capital’s two main airports by protestors in December has had a huge impact on the economy too.

The new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has however pledged to fix the country's economy with a new stimulus package.

The 44-year-old former Democrat Party leader was elected prime minister by parliament ten days ago, after an earlier court verdict disbanded the ruling party loyal to ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.