Thailand Constitutions

King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved an interim constitution Friday that gives the military junta sweeping powers to oversee the country prior to a return to civilian rule. The junta, which overthrew Premier Chatichai Choonhavan's elected government last Saturday, announced a provisional constitution that pledges to hold elections by the end of the year.

After a month of demonstrations culminating in the resignation of a controversial prime minister, Thailand's Parliament on Monday quickly adopted long-sought constitutional reforms. The most significant piece of legislation was a constitutional amendment requiring that the prime minister be an elected member of Parliament. The amendment was proposed after Suchinda Kraprayoon, the former supreme commander of the Thai armed forces, was appointed prime minister April 7.

After a month of demonstrations culminating in the resignation of a controversial prime minister, Thailand's Parliament on Monday quickly adopted long-sought constitutional reforms. The most significant piece of legislation was a constitutional amendment requiring that the prime minister be an elected member of Parliament. The amendment was proposed after Suchinda Kraprayoon, the former supreme commander of the Thai armed forces, was appointed prime minister April 7.

This nation's military rulers Saturday named a former ambassador to the United States to serve as Thailand's interim civilian prime minister until elections are organized for a new Parliament. The prime minister designate is Anand Panyarachun, 58, a prominent Thai businessman who heads the Federation of Thai Industries. Before moving into the private sector he had a successful career as a diplomat and was permanent secretary of the foreign ministry after serving as the ambassador to Washington.

This nation's military rulers Saturday named a former ambassador to the United States to serve as Thailand's interim civilian prime minister until elections are organized for a new Parliament. The prime minister designate is Anand Panyarachun, 58, a prominent Thai businessman who heads the Federation of Thai Industries. Before moving into the private sector he had a successful career as a diplomat and was permanent secretary of the foreign ministry after serving as the ambassador to Washington.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved an interim constitution Friday that gives the military junta sweeping powers to oversee the country prior to a return to civilian rule. The junta, which overthrew Premier Chatichai Choonhavan's elected government last Saturday, announced a provisional constitution that pledges to hold elections by the end of the year.