A speech by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has been given to assure citizens the outlook is improving, with official data showing a four-point-two percent economic growth in the fourth quarter.

Speaking about his government's achievements at Government House in Bangkok, he said while recovery is underway, new elections would not be called until the economy has strengthened.

He said the government had faced several problems in the past year but pointed to the current lower than expected unemployment figures, which are around half the rate they were at the beginning of the year.

Mr Abhisit, leader of the Democrat Party, heads a six-party coalition government.

It has the backing of the military and pro-monarchy People's Alliance for Democracy.