Newly-elected PM Somchai received King Bhumibol Adulyadej's order at a brief ceremony in his home which was broadcast live on television.

He prostrated himself in front of a portrait of the King and gave a five-minute speech expressing his loyalty to the monarch and calling for national unity amid global financial woes and anti-government street protests.

His appointment as the Kingdom's top minister takes place amid warnings by anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters that they would not accept any member of the PPP as Thailand's premier.

The PAD has accused the PPP-led government of being a proxy for former PM Thaksin, who is now living in Britain. It quickly vowed to press ahead with their campaign to force PM Somchai and his entire People Power Party out of government.

PAD demonstrators have occupied Government House, the Thai prime minister's offices, since August 26.