Thailand's military ruling body Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) has submitted the new prime minister designate and interim charter for royal endorsement, Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, leader of the Council said Friday.

However, Sonthi still declined to reveal the name of the new premier, who is to lead an interim government for about one year while a new constitution is being drafted to pave way for a general election in October 2007, according to the timeframe given by the CDR after taking power in the Sept. 19 coup.

"He (the new premier) is somebody we know well," Sonthi told a press conference transmitted by military TV channel 5 Friday afternoons.

One deputy chief of CDR, Navy chief Sathiraphan Keyanont, on Thursday suggested the designate is not a military figure at least for now. He said Sonthi would be the one to announce the new premier.

Thai media has quoted sources close to the ruling council as saying that Privy Council member and retired general Surayud Chulanont was agreed among the CDR members as the most suitable choice for the premier post due to his capability in ensuring reconciliation, which the country now urgently needs.

Surayud was formerly Army chief and Armed Forces Supreme Commander.

Previously former World Trade Organization chief Supachai Panitchpakdi, who now heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development, was also widely speculated as a leading contender for the PM's seat.

The CDR has said the name would be revealed over the weekend. At the same time a temporary constitution is enacted.

Editor: Yan