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Surayud is Premier

P. S. Suryanarayana

Provision for removal in Thai interim Constitution

Interim Thai Premier Surayud Chulanont

SINGAPORE: Surayud Chulanont, a former commander-in-chief of Thailand's Army, has assumed charge as the "civilian" Prime Minister, for "about one year," under the stewardship of coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. Gen. Sonthi became Chairman of the newly-created Council for National Security.

Mr. Surayud, who briefly served as a Buddhist monk after bidding farewell to arms, was appointed within two weeks as Gen. Sonthi promised for the formation of a "civilian government" to implement the goals of his September 19 coup.

An "Interim Edition" of the Constitution was also promulgated on Sunday under the "command" of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Proclaiming that "the King holds the position of the Head of the Thai Armed Forces" and that "the sovereign power belongs to the Thai people," it provides for the removal of Mr. Surayud at the behest of Gen. Sonthi. Mr. Surayud, known to be on the same political wavelength as the coup leaders, said he derived his "mandate" from the beloved King.

In a delayed but firm reaction, the United States has withheld $24-million aid that was earmarked for the armed forces.

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