Despite Washington's disapproval of the coup that usurped power on September 19, US President George Bush said yesterday he understood the situation in Thailand and shook hands with military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on the sidelines of the Apec leaders summit here.

"I believe that the president understand what's going on Thailand at the moment. He used the word 'military intervention' and he understands Thailand's position. And he also indicated that he's in a difficult position," Surayud said.

After attending a meeting between the US and Southeast Asian leaders, Surayud said he had an opportunity to explain the political developments in the country.

He assured the Apec leaders that the country would "proceed along the democratic path".

"And on the drafting of the new constitution, we will try to put the draft of the constitution to a referendum later on," Surayud said.

Bush thanked him for his explanation and expressed his support on this matter, he said.

"Later on, he walked over and shook hands with me, which showed his understanding. As to our relationship, things should prosper in a better way in the future," he said.

Foreign Minister Nitya Pibul-songgram described Bush's gesture towards Surayud as "beyond OK".

"I think it was very good. After the meeting, the prime minister was standing in his corner, and President Bush walked across the room to pat Khun Surayud's upper arms [to show his understanding]."

The US had criticised the military takeover in Thailand, saying the move was a step backward for democracy. Washington has suspended parts of military cooperation as well as bilateral free-trade negotiations, pending the election of a new government.

There were also concerns that Bush would give Surayud the cold shoulder at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

But yesterday's meeting was seen by Surayud as a positive sign from Washington. He said Bush told him that his father, former president George Bush, would be granted a royal audience with His Majesty the King next month.

"I think this is a special visit from the president's father to Bangkok," Surayud said. "There's a long relationship between Thailand and the US especially … Mr Bush during his time as president of the US had a very close and cordial relationship with His Majesty the King."

Surayud said he explained the four priorities of his interim government - political reform, restoration of national unity, reducing income inequality and strengthening the rule of law.

Asked if the upcoming Bush Sr visit symbolised full acceptance of the military-backed Thai government, Surayud said it confirmed his "deep and sincere appreciation of what's going on in Thailand at the moment, especially relations at the highest level between the two countries".

Apart from the political situation in Thailand, Bush also welcomed the initiative of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to organise a "future Apec leaders" forum for the youth in Apec economies. Bush agreed to host the gathering.

Surayud said he did not have the time to explain the political situation in Thailand to many more countries, only a certain group with a close relationship to Thailand.

He said two more ministers were needed to help with the workload.

Sommai Phasee, former deputy permanent secretary of the Finance Ministry, will become its deputy minister, and Prasit Kovilaikool, former dean of the law faulty at Thammasat University, will join the Prime Minister's Office.

Assoc Professor Prasit was serving as president of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University in Samut Prakan and Sommai as the chairman of TMB Bank. They are expected to appear at a swearing-in ceremony tomorrow before His Majesty the King.

Surayud said his deputy, MR Pridiyathorn Devakula, who is also the finance minister, had requested a deputy to assist him with the budget. "First, he thought he could do it alone. But later on, he took on several assignments and many of them are urgent."

The PM's Office could use people with legal expertise, Surayud said. "We need the lawyers to coordinate and prioritise several draft bills for the National Legislative Assembly."

The two will be added to the 26-member Cabinet set up last month after Surayud was handpicked by the coup-makers led by Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin.

Jeerawat Na Thalang

The Nation

HANOI