Business leaders and academics warmly welcomed the appointment of retired army commander General Surayud Chulanont as interim prime minister yesterday, saying he was "the most qualified" to lead the country at a time of division and unrest.

A number of them noted some Western governments may be more guarded about Surayud because he comes from a military background.

Still, they noted yesterday's appointment was largely expected, even though earlier reports had said Bank of Thailand's Governor MR Pridiyathorn Devakula and former World Trade Organisation chief, Supachai Panitchpakdi, were also in the running.

Santi Vilassakanont, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said: "Khun Surayud is the best man for the job because Thailand badly needs reconciliation and stability.

"Surayud is known for his honesty and transparency. He is widely accepted both by Thais and foreigners.

"We may not need a leader with [an extensive] economic background because the Thai economy is still intact and fundamentally strong. At any rate, people trust Khun Surayud will pick the right persons for his economic team," Santi said.

Pornsilp Tatcharintanakul, Deputy Secretary General at the Board of Trade said the decision to pick Surayud showed stability was considered the priority issue of the country at present.

He said the Thai business sector would nevertheless wish to see the continuation of free market economic policies that benefit Thai and global economies.

"We want to see the economy continue to run smoothly," he said.

Sompop Manarungsan, an economics lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, said Suravud's strength lies in his experience in promoting national unity. "He should be able to tackle the political crisis and the problems in the Deep South."

However, Sompop noted Surayud may have some weaknesses initially in tackling foreign affairs.

The fact that he is a retired general may deter some Western governments from readily accepting him, he said.

Sompop said if Pridiyathorn was named as one of the key economic decision-makers, it would be good news for the country.

 "Now that Khun Surayud said he would be promoting a self-sufficient economy, we have to see how he can integrate this idea with a [free] market system," he added.

Pairoj Vongvipanond, an economist from Thurakit Bandit University, also shared the view that Surayud was the best man to lead the country at a time of crisis.

"The current political crisis is much worse than during former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan's time," he said. "The government then only faced corruption scandals. Today, we also faced a problem of social polarisation."

He said the appointment should dash the hopes of some supporters of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra making a comeback with rural support.

"Surayud is also widely respected among the rural people," he said.

"His dedication to His Majesty the King has enhanced his standing among provincial people," he said.

Thanawat Phonwichai, director of the Economics and Business Forecasting Centre, University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said Suravud's charismatic personality and influence should bring opposing parties together to work for the good of the country.

The priority of the new government is to restore confidence among foreign investors, he noted.

"They sometimes oversimplify the Thai situation by comparing it to other countries that are ruled by junta governments without understanding the complexities involved here," he criticised.

Ajva Taulananda, the honorary president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, was also of he opinion that Suravud was extremely qualified because of his strong leadership qualities.

 "Every quarter in Thai society accepts him. He is the right person for the job today," he said.

Democrat Party spokesperson Ongart Klampaiboon said Surayud was very well qualified for the role of prime minister as he was knowledge and experienced.

More importantly, he said, Surayud is a moral, just and ethical man.

He is one of the most democratic soldiers in the Army, renowned among the public, he said.

While it was expected that Surayud would bring progress to the country during his term as premier, it was important for the public to keep an eye on Surayud's performance to ensure ethical and moral standards are maintained.

"The most important qualification of General Surayud is he is so trusted by His Majesty the King that he was appointed to be a member of the Privy Council.

There is no doubt among the public about his qualification," said Ongart.

Secretary of the Campaign for Popular Democracy Suriyasai Katasila yesterday called for the new prime minister to win public support by adopting a clear vision for the country.

He said Surayud needs to clearly tackle divisions in the country, violence in the South, political reforms, the role of military and the charges facing Thaksin's regime.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation