The situation in Bangkok returns to normal after appointment of new PM

The situation in Bangkok has gradually retuned to normal after the appointment of a new interim prime minister. General Surayud Chulanont has been appointed to become the kingdom’s 24th Prime Minister by His Majesty the King.

Military forces and tanks have been withdrawn and sent back to their barracks. Men in military uniforms were hardly seen at significant buildings including the Government House, Marble Templem and Dusit Palace.

Press members reported that military and tanks have moved out from the venues since last night after the appointment of the new prime minister. Gen Surayud promised to form his 35-member cabinet in one week.

 He refused to confirm whether he would bring in Bank of Thailand governor M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula as finance minister, to be his right-hand man on economic policy. At the same time, Gen Surayud was handpicked by the Council for National Security (CNS) led by Sonthi Boonyaratkalin for royal endorsement.

The Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) became the CNS immediately after the interim constitution was put in place yesterday. However the CNS still holds the power to countersign the appointment and dismissal of the interim prime minister.

Today is the 60th birthday anniversary of General Sonthi Boonyaratglin , the NSC chief, and units have sent their representatives and flower banquets to bless him. Gen. Sonthi refused to meet with the representative; however, he has thanked for their well wishes.

As for solving the instability in the Deep South, Gen Surayud informed that he has not yet set the schedule to visit the region.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

 

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