New Thai PM launches diplomatic charm offensive

BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Reuters) Thailand's army-appointed prime minister launched a charm offensive today to persuade foreign diplomats that all was well after last month's coup but was urged to hasten a return to democratic rule.

Surayud Chulanont invited about 100 envoys to Government House to reassure them that it was business as usual in post-coup Thailand, and that the big infrastructure projects initiated by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would go ahead.

''I've assured the diplomatic corps that what has been committed to under the Thaksin government will be carried on according to its priority and with absolute transparency,'' Surayud told reporters in a break between meetings.

But his comments failed to satisfy the European Union's representative who called on the interim government to end martial law and draw up a faster timetable for elections.

''Lift martial law without delay,'' Finnish Ambassador Lars Backstrom, representing the EU, told reporters of what he had said to the Thai prime minister.

Backstrom, who also called for a lifting of the ban on activities of political parties, urged Surayud to hold a general election sooner than the one-year target the military has set.

Revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej swore in Surayud and his new cabinet on Monday, and told them to make repairing Thailand's international image a priority after the September 19 coup.

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