"The military council have agreed by consensus and made our choice for prime minister. We are confident that he will be acceptable to the public," Admiral Satirapan Keyanon, who sits on the military council, told reporters.

Thai media have reported that the main contenders are retired Privy Council General Surayud Chulanont and former World Trade Organization boss Supachai Panitchpakdi.

When asked which of the men had been chosen, Satirapan said "he will not come in this uniform" and pointed at another officer.

The council's leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin will be the only one who will disclose the name of the new premier.

"General Sonthi is the only person who will officially disclose the name and choose the time of the announcement," he said.

A spokesman for the junta said earlier that the new premier would be announced Sunday, one day after Sonthi is due to have a royal audience with the King.

The Nation