Gen. Surayud Chulanont New Thai Prime Minister

[george]

Gen. Surayud Chulanont new Thai Prime Minister

Surayud Chulanont is seen as a dependable choice

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's military rulers announced a stop-gap prime minister and constitution on Sunday, fulfilling a promise to step back in favor of civilians within two weeks of their coup against Thaksin Shinawatra.

Shortly after television stations announced the interim constitution, army chief and coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed that Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, would be prime minister under a gradual plan to restore democracy.

"I went to his house and spent half an hour convincing him to take the job while the country is in crisis. He has agreed to take it," General Sonthi told reporters at a news conference.

Gen. Surayud Chulanont was sworn in this afternoon.

Under the new charter endorsed by revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 63-year-old Surayud will take charge to keep the economy ticking over while a panel of eminent Thais draws up a new long-term constitution.

According to the generals' "democracy roadmap," this should take about nine months, at the end of which there will be a referendum and national elections.

MILITARY CIVILIAN

Although a career military man, Surayud -- until now a senior royal adviser -- has a reputation as a reformer who recognized the need to keep soldiers out of politics in a country which has now seen 18 coups in seven decades of democracy.

The coming months could test his patience to the limits as he tries to convince Thais and outsiders he is marching the country back to democracy at the same time as keeping his old friends in the army happy.

In other signs of the situation stabilizing, the tanks that have stood outside Government House since the September 19 putsch rolled back to the barracks and the coup leaders released four of Thaksin's most powerful ministers from army custody.

Despite promises not to interfere, doubts remain about the military's neutrality, especially given that the coup leaders are staying on in the form of a Council for National Security (CNS) with the power to dismiss the interim administration.

"He has to keep the military in line, he has to seem legitimate and he has to avoid the appearance of being a stooge or being a puppet to the military," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak of Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

"He also has to get things done. This is a tough balancing act."

Having ousted Thaksin without a shot being fired, Sonthi promised to hand power to civilians within two weeks, a pledge that ensured domestic goodwill but failed to avert international condemnation of Thailand's first coup in 15 years.

The interim charter guarantees basic human rights and sets up an assembly of 2,000 eminent persons to start work on a long-term constitution, but it also enshrines the coup leaders' security role and their ability to hire and fire governments.

CALMING FEARS

Officials have tried to assuage concerns about the army overshadowing the return to democracy, saying the authority to sack the government is largely hypothetical.

"It is a power that is in reserve. I don't think they foresee a situation to resort to it," senior Foreign Ministry official Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn said.

Sonthi told Reuters on Friday the CNS would play a role only in security matters, such as tackling an insurgency in the Muslim far south where over 1,700 people have been killed since 2004.

"I can assure you it is impossible that we will control the government," he said in an interview at Army Headquarters. "We will be the government's tool to keep peace."

He also said Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire who won election landslides in 2001 and 2005 but now lives in exile in London, should not return to Thailand as the "domestic situation has not settled yet."

However, his four most trusted aides -- Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya, chief of staff Prommin Lertsuradej, Prime Minister's office Minister Newin Chidchob and Environment Minister Yongyut Tiyapairat -- have been released from 10 days of army custody. "It is the police's job to look after them from now," Sonthi said.

--Agencies, Reuters 2006-10-01

Profile:

Surayud Chulanont

At 62, Surayud Chulanont is an army veteran, and one of the few senior Thai figures who is respected by military and civilian leaders alike.

By choosing him as the country's new prime minister, Thailand's military generals also hope he will quieten fears from the international community, who see the former army chief as a safe pair of hands.

They also hope his positive standing, both at home and abroad, will allay fears that the military is choosing one of its own to be the country's leader.

They had promised to install a civilian prime minister as soon as possible after the 19 September coup.

After a military career spanning nearly 40 years, Gen Surayud is seen as both a skilful soldier and a tactful leader.

He has also gained a reputation for being incorruptible - an important trait given the accusations of graft levelled at his predecessor, the ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He fought Thai communist insurgents in the 1960s, and later fended off incursions from Burmese troops and ethnic Wa guerrillas.

He expressed his displeasure at the May 1992 uprising, in which many civilians were killed, and campaigned tirelessly for a more modern, accountable army.

Becoming a commander in 1997, he again prioritised the fight against corruption and rights violations - and was seen as a friend to Burmese refugees for the part he played in allowing them to seek refuge in Thailand.

In the late 1990s, Gen Surayud clashed with Mr Thaksin, who wanted to increase business ties with the Burmese military leaders. He was sidelined to the post of supreme commander, a ceremonial rather than influential position.

After leaving the army in 2003, the devout Buddhist spent time as a monk, before being appointed to the Privy Council and becoming a senior adviser to the king.

'Appropriate choice'

Ironically, one of the main legacies from his long military career is his attempt to distance the army from politics.

He is seen as pivotal in changing the military from a self-serving, often corrupt, group of individuals into a modern, professional organisation.

In fact Time Magazine once described him as "perhaps the most important Thai military figure of the modern era".

There were worries that giving the position of prime minister to a former general might fuel accusations that the coup leaders had no intention of giving up power, despite their promise to hand over a civilian government.

But the army does not appear to see Gen Surayud as military at all. One of the six most senior coup leaders, Gen Winai Pattariya, said recently: "We really consider that a retired general is a civilian."

Political leaders seem to agree. Korn Chatikavanij, deputy general secretary of the opposition Democrat Party, recently described Gen Surayud as an "appropriate" choice.

"What is important is domestic reconciliation, and Gen Surayud is ideal for that," he told The Associated Press.

In the past, the former general has denied any intention of entering the political arena.

But now the military has taken over the country, and they need a prime minister whom they, the Thai people and the international community trust.

Gen Surayud's skills and experience are again in demand. His retirement has just come to an end.

WIKIPEDIA:

Surayud Chulanont

General Surayud Chulanont (สุรยุทธ จุลานนท์) is a former Thai military officer, Army Commander, Supreme Commander, and currently Privy Councilor to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. On the 29th September, media reports begin circulate that he has been appointed as the new interim Prime Minister of Thailand after the recent military coup d'état.

Family and education

Surayud's father was Lt. Colonel Phayom Chulanont, who, as “Comrade Khamtan” (Thai: สหายคำตัน), was a key member of the Communist Party of Thailand in its stronghold in Nan province.

He completed his early education at Saint Gabriel School and Suankularb Wittayalai School in Bangkok. He graduated from the inaugural class of Armed Forces Preparatory Academy.

As a boy, Surayud's father left the Royal Thai Army and his family to join the communists. Phayom explained his defection by citing corruption in the army and its inability to defend the powerless.

Surayud entered the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA) and graduated from Class 12. Later in life, he would promoted many of his classmates to influential Army positions.

Military career

Early in his army career, Surayud served in several Army divisions including a light artillary unit, a paratrooper unit. He conducted operations against the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) while his father was a leader of the CPT. From 1972 to 1978, he was an instructer at the Special Warfare School. He was a close aide to General Prem Tinsulanonda when Prem was appointed Army Commander and later Prime Minister of Thailand. Surayud was appointed Commander of the Special Warfare Command in 1992, where was the commanding officer of Sonthi Boonratklin.

During Bloody May, the violent crackdown 1992 on anti-government protestors, Surayud's men were seen dragging protesters through the bloody lobby of the Royal Hotel. According to a later interview, "It convinced me that the army should never be involved in politics." In 1994, he was appointed Commander of the 2nd Army Region.

Surayud was promoted to Army Commander in late 1998. At the time, his promotion was controversial, as Surayud had been promoted above the heads of several officers more senior to him. Surayud appointed several of his classmates from Class 12 of the CRMA to key lucrative positions. Among these were Lt Gen Sompong Maivichit, who he made appointed to head Army controlled Channel 5 television station, replacing Gen Pang Malakul na Ayudhya, and Lt Gen Boonrod Somtap, who he promoted to a key subordinate position to replace Gen Charn Boonprasert. He also ended a policy of deporting Burmese refugees, especially ethnic Karens, back toBurma. "He's been a friend to us," said Pastor Robert Htway of the Karen Refugee Committee.

Under his term, Thai soldiers took part in the United Nations Peace Keeping Force, assisting UN-PKF efforts in East Timor.

In 2003, after over 4 years as Army Commander, Surayud was promoted to the position of Supreme Commander during the government of Thaksin Shinawatra. He was replaced as Army Commander by Somthad Attanan. His promotion was rumored to be the result of a conflict with the Prime Minister.

Privy Councilor

Upon his retirement from the Army, King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed Surayud to his Privy Council. From retirement, Surayud and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda played a key role in the promotion of General Sonthi Boonratklin to the position of Army Commander.

After General Sonthi overthrew the government of Thaksin Shinawatra in a coup in 2006, Surayud was considered as a strong candidate for appointment as civilian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of Thailand

Surayud's appointment to the Premiership was confirmed by junta leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin on the morning of Sunday 1 October 2006. Sonthi had a formal audience with King Bhumibol Adulyadej at 4 pm that day to nominate Surayud's name to the monarch.

-- Source: Wikipedia

[jdinasia]

a member of the privy council ..... and an ex military man that wanted to make further distance between the military and politics! Great Choice!!

about 15 years younger than Prem <who other than age would also have been a good choice!>

[george]

Gen Surayud appointed as the 24 th prime minister

BANGKOK: -- General Surayud Chulanont, a respected retired army officer and advisor to Thailand's king, becomes Thailand's 24 th prime minister Sunday.

HM the King endorsed Surayud who was nominated by the military council that deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra when he was in the US.

In white uniform, Surayud bowed before the portrait of HM the King in a ceremony at the Government House at about 5pm.

Surayud's appointment came after HM the King endorsed the interim charter that will replace the 1997 charter abolished on September 19 when the military council, led by Army Commander in Chief Gen Sonthi Bunyaratblin, seized the power from Thaksin Shinawatra last month.

Sonthi earlier sought reassure the country the military would not interfere in the work of the new prime minister.

The new interim constitution tasks the junta with choosing a new prime minister who will then be responsible for selecting his cabinet.

Gen Sonthi told reporters on Sunday he had asked former Thai army chief General Surayud Chulanont to become prime minister.

"We will not interfere in selection of ministers," he said.

"The new prime minister will use his own judgement. The cabinet ministers will be more knowledgeable than us" about running state affairs, he said.

But Sonthi reaffirmed that the Council for National Security, as the junta are now calling themselves, will help run the country during any transition period.

"As the new prime minister is forming his own government, we will administer the country," he said.

--The Nation 2006-10-01

[deminister]

pooh pooh, Prem might be respected inside Thailand, outside he is still regarded as another coup taker, Surayud is at least a man who understands taht teh army has NO TASK whatsoever in illegally grabbing power from the people. Too bad that he is still an ex army man, and thus will have a lot of work to do convincing me and many other people who do not believe in dictatorships that an ex general is the best man for the job. On the other hand Supachai would have committed political suicide stepping into a government where his boss is Sonthi..

[Martin]

"Gen Sonthi told reporters on Sunday he had asked former Thai army chief General Surayud Chulanont to become prime minister.

"We will not interfere in selection of ministers," he said.

"The new prime minister will use his own judgement. The cabinet ministers will be more knowledgeable than us" about running state affairs, he said.

But Sonthi reaffirmed that the Council for National Security, as the junta are now calling themselves, will help run the country during any transition period.

"As the new prime minister is forming his own government, we will administer the country," he said."

Let us hope that they get a good team together to steer the economy.

There is every chance of outside events causing much greater problems than 1997, and failure to act very quickly---even be courageous enough to be preactive---will be vital.

Chattering over the terms of yet another Constitution is a minor matter compared to having the right people keeping their eyes on the economic ball.

[Belfastboy]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

[marquess]

I for one would like to know, when the restrictions on the media, will be lifted, or is that going to remain in place until we have another elected government?

[ColPyat]

I for one would like to know, when the restrictions on the media, will be lifted, or is that going to remain in place until we have another elected government?

There is a lot of people who would like to know that.

General Winai's answer to a direct question about this matter was: "In the appropriate time."

[bapak]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

As I understand it, he left the military in 2003, so does that not make him a civilian... Or do you believe that once a soldier always a soldier? I wonder how many members of this Forum are former military members.. Do they view themselves as soldiers or civilian?

IMO the choice was a good one..Lets judge the man in a year's time.

[Richard Hall]

Despite some (expected) moaning like always it looks pretty much like CDR are taking their job and commitment to the country serious and hence what else can we say:

"Welcome and heaps of luck Khun PM Surayut!

May wisdom lead your path. For His Majesty, for the country and her people and THIS is eventually all what counts."

A retired soldier? Well, that should assure that PM Surayut knows his duties. Possibly much better than many other politicians who tend to forget quickly once they have got the grip on power and which surely refers not to Thailand only.

Cheers,

Richard

[womble]

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

Err??? that's very astute of you. There's just been a coup, the PM has been chosen by the Military and you've only just decided it's no longer a democracy?

It will not be a working full democracy until after the next general election.

I really think people are over reacting here. This is a fantastic choice of PM and we know that this guy will keep the military out of politics with all his might. There are many many civilian PM's who could have been chosen who would certainly buckle under pressure from military figures.

Not this guy!!!!

I don't give a toss what the US thinks, or any othger western country for that matter, their hipocracy is unbelievable, USA supported a coup in Haiti recently, and has failed miserably in any of it's recent efforts at democracy. They've been failing since vietnam!!!!

Who cares anyway cos in 50 years we all answer to China not US!

I'm happy to see Thailand do whatever it feel is best to rid itself of Thaksins legacy, long as USA is against it then it probobally stands a high degree of a chance of success.

[jdinasia]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

The guy is a GREAT choice! ... Yes he is a retired Military man ..... Someone that has fought communism ... stood up and spoken out for the military NOT being involved in politics .... Fought corruption!

and most importantly was a member of the Privy Council.

Read up on him a bit more Belfast ... you will like what you read.

[Unknown]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

The guy is a GREAT choice!

Right, a retired general is sure a great choice...

[midas]

" Read up on him a bit more Belfast ... you will like what you read."[/size]- but jdinasia - I didnt think you believed what you read ????????

Or does that just apply to books

[jaapfries]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

================================================================

Yeah; right: under Thaksin we were "enjoying" a great period of 'democracy' ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

The new Interim PM IS a civilian ! He USED to be a militairy career chap.

What the heck's your problem ?!?!?

Count your blessing and hope & pray that Toxin (he may be down, but is he OUT ?????) does not re-appear . . . . . . if you care to read the papers: Tbt. 400 Billion of the Kingdom's coffers squandred ! ! ! what a great democracy THAT was.

If the King's for it; than so am I !

Hail to this King ! !

[steffi]

My question is whether the interim PM will run in elections or not.

[North]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

As I understand it, he left the military in 2003, so does that not make him a civilian... Or do you believe that once a soldier always a soldier? I wonder how many members of this Forum are former military members.. Do they view themselves as soldiers or civilian?

IMO the choice was a good one..Lets judge the man in a year's time.

If the man is not a soldier, why was he then dressed up like one at the ceremony today ???

From Bangkok Post website:

"Surayud, dressed in a white military uniform prostrated himself in front of a wall-sized portrait of the king as a sign of respect. He stood alongside the six coup leaders at Government House in the Thai capital during the swearing in ceremony. "

[jdinasia]

" Read up on him a bit more Belfast ... you will like what you read."[/size]- but jdinasia - I didnt think you believed what you read ????????

Or does that just apply to books

Self promoting books by folks in it for the $$<off topic> are a lot different than the body of information available about our new PM Midas

This is a man that has taken a vocal stance against the military being involved in politics ... but even better he has taken a hard stance against corruption! The best is that he's been a member of the Privy Council.

Consider that last little bit then please post again

[markokang]

I think we should go back to a Monarchy and put the King back in charge!

He is the only person I trust!

Hail to the King once again!

[Unknown]

So, the generals appoint a general. Big surprise.

Not for the foreigners, I guess, but for the Thais.

Funny how fuzzy can be your memory after 14 years.

If you're Thai, that is...

[Sue&John]

i thought the new PM was supposed to be a civilan???

oh yeah i forgot this is thailand....what a joke!

as someone already said, from outside thailand the international community are very concerned about thailand..

you ethier are democratic or your're not...and at this current time thailand is no longer democratic IMO

================================================================

Yeah; right: under Thaksin we were "enjoying" a great period of 'democracy' ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

The new Interim PM IS a civilian ! He USED to be a militairy career chap.

What the heck's your problem ?!?!?

Count your blessing and hope & pray that Toxin (he may be down, but is he OUT ?????) does not re-appear . . . . . . if you care to read the papers: Tbt. 400 Billion of the Kingdom's coffers squandred ! ! ! what a great democracy THAT was.

If the King's for it; than so am I !

Hail to this King ! !

Absolutely, wasn't Winston Churchill ex military?

Your King appears to be wisest ever, a peacemaker, if it's good enough for him then it will be good enough for Thailand.

[Neeranam]

I think we should go back to a Monarchy and put the King back in charge!

He is the only person I trust!

Hail to the King once again!

Hear hear.

[Kaojai]

Too bad that he is still an ex army man, and thus will have a lot of work to do convincing me ...that an ex general is the best man for the job.

My, my someone certainly has a grand opinion of himself. I would think that on a list of tasks before him, worrying about what you think wouldn't even make last place.

It seems there are no end of people here who feel fully qualified to pre-judge (from which the word prejudice) Thais on anything.

We seem to have a board full of experts on all things political, all things economic, opening of airports, policing... you name it. Maybe we should ask for professional, educational and experiential qualifications from those who seem to feel that no matter what Thais do, they should be subject to the scrutiny of retired taxi drivers, primary school teachers, dole recipients or whatever, who not only can see what's happening behind closed doors but can predict what will happen in the future.

I have to believe that anyone who has had genuine administrative experience, dealing with at least hundreds of people, let alone thousands or millions, would be slower to criticize and quicker to understand the difficulties inherent in such undertakings. Holding people to account for major incompetencies or corruption is one thing, but simply hurling pointless abuse is just about promoting one's self.

Maybe the end of border runs will cull some of the relentless armchair critics, but I fear not as many as I had once hoped.

[Belfastboy]

guys chill..!

i was just expressing my opinion...you know that thing called FREE SPEECH...you don't have to agree with my opinion and im not asking you to agree with me.

my main point is that...a democratically elected government has been overthrown by the military

now, like thaksin or not, i didnt like him at all but he had the majority support in thailand.

so what are we saying here? because people in bangkok dont support him and they are a minority compared to the rest of thailand ...does this give the military a right to put themselves up for the ultimate power and ignore the votes of the people??

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[tommay]

Personally - I think it is not important who you are - IT IS IMPORTANT WHAT YOU DO!

Of course you need some power to get things done...

Think about the King...

So let's see and critisize that man after - if there is something to critisize!

Well Thailand got a new chance and I hope they use it to get a better situation for all - and not only a handfull.

For the moment I prefer to bow my hat to honour that man - as he has taken this big! task.

And (as a leader knows) he will be only as strong as his team is. So lets see who will be ask to join to "create a better Thailand".

Last but not least - the highest respected person of that country The King itself provided his ok - and will (through his advisers) pay an important role as well. And yes it is time to get things done - don't forget that he will turn 79years this December - and think what could come next...

[nasa]

Congratulation. Hope Thailand peace & properity will continue under him. I believe he can do it.

[doolally]

i first met surayud in 1999

he is a man of honour and beyond reproach

anyone who has information other than that should post it or shut up

[Unknown]

i first met surayud in 1999

he is a man of honour and beyond reproach

anyone who has information other than that should post it or shut up

Well, Mr. First Post, I'm happy you're happy.

I'm happy also that a man of honour has been nominated PM.

A bit disappointed by the fact that such a nice man was never elected, but well...

[george]

Surayud asks for one week to name his cabinet

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont said Sunday that he would need one week to name his cabinet, and that he would focus on the nation's happiness rather than its GDP.

"I will take about one week to select the people to be cabinet ministers, and after that I will explain the government's policies," he told reporters in his first news conference, shortly after taking office.

"After that I will explain the government policies to create more confidence for investors," he said.

He said he is looking for ministers who are knowledgeable, politically neutral and willing to work.

Asked about his economic policy, he said he would not measure progress based only on the gross domestic product (GDP).

"I will not focus on GDP as the previous governments, but I will adhere to the sufficiency economy advocated by the king," Surayud said. "I will focus on the happiness of the people rather than the GDP."

Surayud sworn in as the 24th prime minister after the military council deposed Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup on September 19.

--The Nation 2006-10-01

Thailand's interim prime minister vows to unify the kingdom

BANGKOK: -- Gen. Surayud Chulanont, Thailand's 24th prime minister, pledged on Sunday that he would put first priority on building national unity, put an end to the current political stalemate and the ongoing southern unrest within a year.

In his first media conference shortly after being appointed as interim leader, the former Army chief said that he agreed to take up the position only to address the nation's urgent problems despite his earlier vow that he would stay out of politics.

"On top of my agenda are the urgent issues--the political problems and the southern violence -- which require full cooperation from all sectors of society," Gen. Surayud said. "I will pull out all the stops to solve the two pressing issues within one year."

Touching on the economy, the new post-coup premier said he would adhere to the sufficiency economy initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol rather than foster the economic growth based on gross domestic product (GDP) as cherished by his predecessor.

"I will focus on the people's happiness rather than GDP figures," he stressed.

Gen. Surayud also announced that a new cabinet line-up would be chosen in a week.

--TNA 2006-10-01

[george]

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