'Thai king Adulyadej endorses interim charter'

Bangkok, Oct 1: Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej endorsed an interim charter today which will be effective until a new constitution is drawn up following last month's bloodless military coup.

The endorsement, announced on national television, came after coup leaders, grouped in the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR), promised to hand over power to a civilian government before their self-imposed two-week deadline expires on October 4.

The interim charter guarantees basic human rights, installs a 36-member cabinet, the legislative body to pass laws and check on the administration and an assembly of 2,000 representatives to select a panel to write a new constituion, said the accouncement.

The 39-article charter transforms the CDR into the Council for National Security Security, which is authorised to look after the national security and appointments of the prime minister, the national legislative body, and other key positions, it said.

The charter was announced as Thai media speculated that the royal appointment of the prime minister was expected at 1645 local time (1515 IST) at Government House.

Reuters