Bangkok - The United States on Wednesday urged Thailand's military coup leaders to lift martial law within seven to 10 days and to bring forward elections the generals have promised for late next year.

"A year seems like a very long time," said a US embassy official in Bangkok, speaking on condition of anonymity. The diplomat added, "if maritial law is not lifted in a week to 10 days, that would be a problem."

The junta that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19 installed retired General Surayud Chulanont last weekend as interim prime minister until polls they have promised for October 2007.

 The generals had initially pledged to make way for a civilian government, but their new constitution maintains military influence over the new premier, and restrictions on political activity and the media remain in place.

 The White House had called Tuesday for "a quick return" to democracy in Thailand and warned its new military leaders that Washington was weighing action beyond US sanctions imposed last week.

 Spokeswoman Dana Perino said Thailand's relations with the United States and its global image would suffer until it returns to democratic rule.

 "We call for clear and unambiguous protection for civil liberties by the interim authorities and the military, and a quick return to democratic elections," she said as US President George W. Bush visited California.

 "Thailand's image in the eyes of the world and US-Thai relations will suffer until Thailand returns to its place as a democratic leader in Asia," she said.

 Perino said the United States had "noted" the appointment of Surayud as interim prime minister, as well as the promulgation of an interim constitution.

 "We remain concerned by restrictions on civil liberties, provisions in the draft constitution that appear to give the military an ongoing and influential role in decision-making, and the lengthy timetable for democratic elections," she said.

 "Following the implementation of Section 508 sanctions last week, we are assessing additional next steps to be taken," she warned.

 The United States halted 24 million dollars in military aid for Thailand last week in protest at the September 19 coup by top generals who ousted civilian prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra over corruption allegations.

 The sanctions jolted years of close links between US forces and Thailand, a non-Nato ally -- the closest US designation a foreign military, that is not a member of the Western alliance, can enjoy.

 Some aid deemed crucial to US national security was spared, notably in the field of counterterrorism, in which the kingdom has emerged as a low-key, yet valued partner in the US battle against Al-Qaeda.