His Majesty the King has named privy councillor Gen Surayud Chulanont as acting president of the Privy Council, effective on Monday.
The royal command, published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, cited the appointment of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda as president of the Privy Council on Dec 2, 2016 and his death on Sunday.
Gen Surayud, 76, was formerly the army chief (1998- 2002) and supreme commander (2002-03) before His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great appointed him privy councillor. After the Sept 19, 2006 military coup, he became the 24th prime minister for 18 months. He was reappointed to the Privy Council of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great until 2016.
His Majesty the King appointed him to his Privy Council on Dec 9, 2016.