General Sonthi Boonyaratglin took part in an unprecedented ceremony yesterday to officially receive His Majesty the King's endorsement of his leadership of the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy.

In a televised ceremony, Sonthi, who is the Army commander-in-chief, stood before a shrine to HM the King while Maj-General Manote Premwongsiri of the Adjutant General's Department read out the Royal Order.

"Gen Sonthi informed HM the King that Thaksin Shinawatra as the prime minister caused severe division within the nation and destroyed national unity. This is something that has never happened in the country's history," the order said.

"Most people believe that his administration was plagued with irregularities and corruption. Political interventions in independent bodies were rampant under Thaksin's watch. These interventions have created conflict and division. Many parties have tried but failed to accommodate the matter.

"Therefore, the armed forces, police and civilians have decided to seize administrative power under the leadership of General Sonthi.

"For the sake of peace and national unity, HM the King has issued the Royal Order for General Sonthi. We urge the public to remain calm and we ask that all civil servants support him."

In white uniform, Sonthi, flanked by other officers, knelt and bowed before a portrait of HM the King above the flower-bedecked shrine.

Analysts say royal support for the coup is the main reason why there has been no violence.