Thailand's new interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont answers questions from journalists during his first press conference as PM in Bangkok, Oct. 1, 2006.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    PHNOM PENH, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont arrived here Sunday on the second leg of his weekend tour, which is widely believed to beef up ties with Thailand's neighboring countries and reassure them that his one-year term will be stable.

    During his one-day official visit, the former army commander is expected to meet Prime Minister Hun Sen, National Assembly President Heng Samrin, and Acting Head of State and Senate President Chea Sim.

    "The purpose of his visit is to improve understanding on (his) government role and function for his one-year term and strengthen ties with the neighboring countries," Thailand government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp told reporters earlier this week in Bangkok.

    "He will reassure his counterparts that there will be no major policy changes under the new government," he added.

    Chulanont visited Laos on Saturday to meet its leaders.

    This is Chulanont's first trip abroad since he was sworn in as Thailand's new prime minister on Oct. 1, replacing Thaksin Shinawatra who was overthrown in a bloodless coup on Sept. 19. Enditem

Thai King endorses National Legislative Assembly

    BANGKOK, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The King of Thailand Thursday morning issued a royal command to appoint the 242-member National Legislative Assembly, a new body which will act as the country's parliament, local media reported.

Thai new cabinet list submitted for royal approval

    BANGKOK, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has completed the list of his first cabinet and submitted it for royal endorsement, a spokesman said Sunday.

Thaksin resigns as Thai Rak Thai leader

    BANGKOK, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has sent his hand-written letter from London to state his wish to resign as Thai Rak Thai Party leader, Thai TV channel 7 reported Tuesday.    

Surayud receives royal decree to become Thai interim PM

    BANGKOK, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Retired general Surayud Chulanont on Sunday was sworn in as Thailand's 24th Prime Minister, and he is to lead an interim government to run the country, 12 days after a military coup ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and dismissed his caretaker cabinet.