THAILAND PRIME MINISTER NEW

epa00831181 Thai Former army commander General Surayud Chulanont, 63, told the press he will propose his new cabinet, as interim civilian prime minister at Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday 01 October 2006. Former army commander General Surayud Chulanont, 63, who has served as a privy councillor and is widely respected by civilian leaders and within the military for his integrity, was appointed Prime Minister on Sunday. Surayud is Thailand's 24th prime minister since the kingdom became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. But perhaps more importantly he is the first since 1992 who did not win the position in an election. Speculation has centred on Surayud being Prime Minister since the September 19 coup d'etat that toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra. EPA/NARONG SANGNAK

<저작권자 ⓒ 2006 연 합 뉴 스. 무단전재-재배포 금지.>