Surayud on Thursday briefed foreign ambassadors on the current political and economic situations in Thailand. He started the briefing in the morning with Asean ambassadors, followed by Asia-Pacific envoys.

The source quoted Surayud as saying that he selected by himself his cabinet members who he said were honest people.

"The government is now drafting the policies that would be submitted to National Legislative Assembly for approval in the near future. In addition, the government would not stay beyond the set timeframe which is one year after its appointment," Surayud said.

His government's priorities were to solve the daily violence in the southern provinces and the political problems.

Representing Asean envoys, Cambodia's Ambassador Ung Sean told Surayud that Asean countries had confidence that Thailand will return to normal situation soon.

"Moreover Asean are appreciated that Gen Surayud gave importance to Asean countries and briefed them as the first group," the source quoted Ung Sean as saying.

Surayud later hold a separate meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jiuhuan. He thanked Bejing for understanding the country's situation.

"Gen Surayud expressed appreciation that China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao sent a congratulatory message on his appointment," the source said.

Zhang then ensured Surayud that China would not interfere in Thailand's internal affairs and it believed that the country can solve their own internal problems.

Zhang also said China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will soon make an official visit to Thailand. The source quoted Surayud as inviting Zhang to play golf with him.

by Sopaporn Kurz