(Corrects date in paragraph 2 from October 28 to September 28)

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (Reuters) Former army commander-in-chief General Surayud Chulanont has agreed to be Thailand's interim, post-coup prime minister, putsch leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin said today.

''On the 28th (of September) I went to his house and spent half an hour convincing him to take the job while the country is in crisis. He has agreed to take it,'' General Sonthi told reporters at a news conference.

A ceremony to swear in Surayud was expected at 4:45 p.m.

(1515 HRS IST).

REUTERS MIR HS1151