The new administration is expected to tackle key problems including alleged corruption and a lack of national unity following the overthrow of the Thaksin-Shinawatra government.

Surayud will head the interim government until elections slated for October 2007.

New NCCC meets for first time today

The new National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) holds its first meeting today.

Chairman Panthep Klanarongran and eight NCCC members will get to know one another and be briefed on the work ahead of them by NCCC secretary-general Saravut Maenasavate. There are more than 10,000 cases outstanding.

The new anti-graft body will hand over responsibility for investigations into alleged corruption associated with the Khlong Dan wastewater plant and Suvarnabhumi Airport CTX bomb scanner installation to the newly-appointed Assets Examination Committee.

Revamped AEC to choose head

The new Assets Examination Committee meets today, too, to select a new chairman and secretary following re-organisation of the 12-member committee by the Council for Democratic Reform.

The junta revamped panel membership after a dispute between former chairman Sawat Chotephanich and Auditor-General Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka. Sawat resigned after the reorganisation.