Former Thai coup PM appointed royal advisor

Updated April 9, 2008 22:16:04

Former PM Chulanont has been appointed as an adviser to the Thai king. [AFP]

Former prime minister Surayud Chulanont, who led an army-backed government for more than a year in Thailand, has been re-appointed as an adviser to the king.

The former army chief served on the Privy Council until he was selected to lead the government following a military coup in 2006 against then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

A royal command released on Wednesday restored his spot on the council.

The leader of the coup, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, has castigated Mr Surayud for an unimpressive performance during his 15 months as prime minister.

However, Mr Surayud has been widely credited with steering the country back to democracy without sparking any unrest.