New Thai government wants to lift martial law

"We are always aware of the people's liberty, but it may take some time to lift martial law," Surayud told reporters after his first cabinet meeting.

Surayud did not say when he would meet the Council for National Security, the body the military leaders have transformed themselves into following the appointment of an interim civilian government pending a new constitution and elections.

Shortly after Surayud's comments, coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin remained coy about lifting martial law, saying it did not affect people's daily lives.

"We need to talk to related security agencies before making a decision," Sonthi told reporters.

The United States and the European Union have called for an immediate revocation of martial law, an end to a ban on political gatherings and a quick return to democratic government.

Revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej told Surayud and his 26 cabinet ministers after swearing them in on Monday they should make improving Thailand's international image a priority.

"A lot of people who are not Thai, who are foreigners, are saying that Thailand is not good. We have to try to change that," he said.

Surayud, who rattled markets earlier this month by saying his government would focus on "people's happiness" not economic numbers, said his government's economic plan, based on the king's self-sufficiency concept, would be done in a week.

The plan would be drafted by market-friendly former bankers led by Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras and would satisfy markets, Kosit told reporters.

"The self-sufficiency economic policy will be in line with the market economy approach, with better quality," said Kosit, former top executive at Bangkok Bank, Thailand's largest.

Coup leaders have accused deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of creating unnecessary debt for the people and "policy corruption" among his cronies under the CEO-styled pro-growth approach during his five years in office.

The new government's policy would be presented to a 250-member National Legislative Assembly, which would be due for royal endorsement in the next couple of days, Sonthi said.

The assembly, to be nominated by Sonthi, will act as both House of Representatives and Senate of parliament under an interim constitution.

Washington Post