Thai banker 'favored as next PM'

Thai banker 'favored as next PM'

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- In the wake of this week's military coup in Thailand, former central bank Governor Chatumongol Sonakul is favored to become the country's interim civilian leader, The Bangkok Post newspaper said Saturday. An appointment will be made by September 30, the paper said.

Thai army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who led the military group that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup on Tuesday, has already said he would appoint an interim prime minister within two weeks and the military would then step back.

On Friday, Sonthi, who earlier received the endorsement of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, took part in a nationally broadcast ceremony that formalized the monarch's backing, The Associated Press reported.

Friday also saw the first isolated protests in Bangkok against the coup.

The Post newspaper, citing highly placed sources, said Chatumongol Sonakul was regarded as among the best-qualified for the interim job because of his monetary and fiscal expertise as well as his recognition in the world community.

The British-educated technocrat led the Bank of Thailand from 1998 to 2001, when he was sacked by Thaksin in a dispute over interest rate policy, Reuters news agency reported.

Other potential candidates are said to be Supreme Administrative Court President Ackaratorn Chularat, former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi and central bank boss Pridiyathorn Devakula.

Thaksin was in New York at the U.N. General Assembly at the time of the coup, but he is now in London, England.

On Friday, the coup leaders said they had completed setting up a nine-member commission to review corruption accusations made against the ousted billionaire leader.

They also sacked police officials tied to the former prime minister.

Its almost a week the coup ... and I do still feel sorry for Thaksin... but this is life....hope he is well


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