Gen. Surayud Chulanont Could Be the Interim Thai PM
Nidhi Sharma - All Headline News Staff Writer Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) - Gen. Surayud Chulanont, a former army commander and close adviser to the king has been unofficially chosen as interim premier in Thailand. Surayud, 62, is a reputed retired officer and is expected to lead the country until promised elections next year. Thailand's auditor general, Jaruvan Maintaka said, "Yes, definitely, Gen. Surayud is the prime minister. He is the suitable person," Her comments were posted on the government Public Relations Department's official Web site Friday. However an official announcement yet is yet to be made, and when telephoned Friday Jaruvan denied her comments, telling The Associated Press: "I didn't say so." Friday morning Bangkok newspapers were anticipating that Surayud would probably head the new government. His appointment was expected to be announced this weekend or Monday, after being approved by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Over a 40-year career in the military, Surayud has a reputation for being efficient, clean and non - corrupt. He retired in 2003, after which he was appointed to the Privy Council, the top advisory body to the king. He is best known for fighting Thai communist insurgents and handling the sensitive situation along the Cambodian border during the 1980s. The American military has reportedly praised him throughout his career. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy general secretary of the Democrat Pa |
