He made the remark at his first news conference, minutes after being appointed as interim leader.

He says his one-year term in office will be characterized by an easy-going attitude.

"I will be the way I am. I'll try to be friendly and easy-going with every sector. I'll try to keep myself informed and in touch with people on the ground. And if possible, I want to visit people from every part of the countries."

He also says it will take him about a week to assemble his cabinet.

Surayud is a former head of Special Forces, and a former commander-in-chief of the army. For the past three years he has been a member of the Privy Council.

Earlier on Sunday, Thailand's ruling military announced an interim constitution.

The military abolished a 1997 constitution after seizing power from then-caretaker prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup on September 19.