Special report: Coup d'etat in Thailand

    

Thailand's new interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont answers questions from journalists during his first press conference as PM in Bangkok, Oct. 1, 2006. Surayud received on Sunday a royal command endorsing his appointment as Thailand's 24th prime minister.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

BANGKOK, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's newly appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont promised on Sunday to bring a fair and uncorrupted government to the country.

    General Surayud said it will take him about one week to select the 35 cabinet ministers. "After that I will explain the government policies to create more confidence for investors," he told reporters at his first press conference as PM shortly after receiving a royal command endorsing his appointment as Thailand's 24th prime minister.

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

    When asked about what kind of prime minister he would become, the retired general and previous Privy Councilor responded," I would be a prime minister as what I am now."

    As to the type of cabinet he would bring to country, Surayud said it would be a fair and uncorrupted cabinet.

    Asked about his economic policy, he said he would focus on "the happiness of the people rather than the GDP." Enditem

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