BANGKOK, Thailand, Oct 1, SPA -- Retired army commander Gen. Surayud Chulanont was sworn in Sunday as Thailand's interim prime minister following the announcement of a temporary constitution which reserved considerable powers for Thailand's military coup makers. The announcement, following his endorsement by thecountry's king, was widely expected. The 63-year-oldSurayud was seen as someone who could help stabilize thepolitical situation following the Sept. 19th coup thatousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. «This is the official ceremony to appoint Gen. SurayudChulanont as the 24th prime minister of Thailand,»official media announced on nationwide television. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/393427