Thailand's interim charter gets royal endorsement

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (TNA) - Almost two weeks after its bloodless coup toppling prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra government on September 19, Thailand's military Council for Democratic Reform unveiled an interim Constitution Sunday following the endorsement of the monarch.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's formal support for the measure is a necessary step in the kingdom's constitution-drafting process.

The military Council said a new general election will be held in late 2007, but that it will only come when a new Constitution is in place.

The Council's interim constitution was submitted for royal approval on Saturday and endorsement was given, 12 days after the generals promised to give power to a civilian government within two weeks of the coup.

According to a statement on national television Sunday morning, the CDR said His Majesty the King has approved the interim constitution and that it takes effect immediately.

Under the interim 39-article charter, the CDR will be transformed into a new entity called the Council for National Security (CNS) and authorised to appoint a new prime minister, a new national legislature and to oversee national security.

The interim charter stipulates that a national assembly representing all social sectors will select a constitution-drafting assembly to write a new constitution.The draft will be put up for public hearing within 45 days after it is completed.

The interim constitution also provides CDR with an amnesty for having staged the coup d'etat, saying that the military leaders will not be held legally accountable for their past actions in toppling the Thaksin administration.

A new prime minister to replace deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be announced later Sunday.

It is widely reported that former army commander Gen. Surayud Chulanont, a respected retired officer who has served as a privy councillor, is the most likely choice.

TNA