His Majesty the King of Thailand has appointed privy councillor General Surayud Chulanont as president of the Council.
The Royal Command announcing General Surayud’s appointment was published in the Royal Gazette on January 2nd. It was counter-signed by Mr. Chuan Leekpai, president of the parliament.
General Surayud was appointed acting president of the Privy Council shortly after the death of the then president, General Prem Tinsulanonda, on May 26, 2019.
General Surayud, 77, was formerly army commander-in-chief (1998-2002) and, subsequently, the supreme commander (2002-03), before being appointed privy councillor. After the September 19th 2006 military coup, he became the Prime Minister of Thailand for 18 months. He was reappointed to the Privy Council by then King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
