Thailand: Meet the New Prime Minister

Thailand's ruling Council for National Security announced the appointment of Gen. Surayud Chulanont as interim prime minister Oct. 1. The appointment of Surayud reflects the Council's concerns for the short-term future of Thailand's politics and society. Surayud's rapport with Thai people and his experience as a military commander bodes well for the interim Thai government's ability to solve pressing problems, but it remains to be seen how well Surayud will manage to present the interim government as a force for stability before democracy is restored.