"This is a setback for Thailand, which has been trying to establish a democratic system after a long series of seventeen coups since 1932," Lee said in his keynote speech to a group of journalists from Asia and Europe, in which he was explaining the political systems in Asia.

"But this time there was a political situation and in the end this is how Thailand had resolved it. We accept that. Is it good for Thailand, I think it is a setback for Thailand.

"Did they have to do it? Well, they have to judge," he said.

And instead of waiting for the verdict of voters, which would come with the scheduled election for November, said Lee, the military decided to remove Thaksin Shinawatra through a coup.

Lee said Thailand lacks firmly established democratic institutions and a tradition of civilian rule. However, Westernstyle liberal democracy is not necessary the answer either, according to the premier of the islandstate.

"But it is not a magic formula for success," he said adding that in Asia, Western democracy has not always delivered stable, legitimate and effective government.

Lee told The Nation that he has met the Surayud in the past expressed the wish to work with him. Both of them will be meeting in Nanning on 30-31 Oct to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Asean China summit.

Singapore was one of the first country to send a congratulatory letter to Surayud upon his appointment.