Bangkok, Aug 25 (IANS): Thai military chief Prayuth Chan-ocha Monday received a royal endorsement, formally appointing him as the interim prime minister.

Prayuth was selected by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), or the post-coup provisional legislature, as interim premier last Thursday, Xinhua reported.

The army chief and head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) received the royal command at the army headquarters.

It remains unclear whether Prayuth, who is due to retire from the army Sept 30, will resign as the army chief.

He is expected to seek royal endorsement for a new hand-picked cabinet later this week, which will consist of at least 35 members.

Prayuth Sunday said that he was ready to serve serving as the prime minister.

Thaksin Shinawatra, a former premier who is now living in self- exile, has reportedly asked his supporters to give Prayuth's interim government a chance to administer the country.

Prayuth is the 29th prime minister of Thailand.