PRIVY COUNCILOR, STATESMAN, AND former premier GEN. PREM TINSULANONDA, 78, was elevated to President of the Thai Privy Council, by King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in Bangkok, Sept. 4.

Prem takes over from Sanya Dharmasakti, 91, who resigned due to poor health. Long an influential figure with the monarchy, Prem's constitutional duties will include informing Parliament of the council's decision on who will be the King's successor should he not have named one and acting as regent in the King's absence.