In a televised address, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Thailand plans to swiftly return to normalcy, but acknowledged that obstacles remain.

"We recognize that, as we move ahead, there are huge challenges ahead of us, particularly the challenge of overcoming the divisions that have occurred in this country," he said.

Abhisit said the government's reconciliation plan would include "an independent investigation of all the events that have taken place during the protests."

He did not specify who would conduct the investigation or when it would begin.

Earlier officials created two programs aimed at helping residents and businesses return to normal life, a government spokesman said.

A rapid-response team of police and civilian city officials will start patrolling Bangkok to ensure stability, prevent disruptions and help people resume their daily lives, spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

Officials also opened a new business relief center to help companies seeking assistance, he said.