The military appointed General Surayud, a former army chief and top royal adviser, as prime minister after toppling the elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup in September 2006.

His government was widely criticised as ineffective, and was blamed for a series of economic missteps that battered the stock market and spooked foreign investors.

Gen Surayud said after a farewell ceremony with government officials that he was pleased he had guided the country back to democracy without any unrest.

'If I could turn back time, I would not have agreed to become prime minister because it's a huge responsibility,' he said. 'I only assumed the post because, under the circumstances, I had no choice.'

Gen Surayud said the most difficult part of his 16-month tenure was explaining the coup to foreign leaders.

'I've chosen to speak less, but always reassured them that we were determined to return to democratic rule,' he said.

Gen Surayud again insisted he has no further political ambitions, and said he did not believe Thaksin would seek revenge now that his allies have been voted back into power.

'I will not torture myself about it. I will not return to politics. There should be no revenge in our society. We must solve problems peacefully. I don't want to see violence,' he said.

Mr Samak Sundaravej, leader of the pro-Thaksin People Power Party, became prime minister on Tuesday. He is expected to form his cabinet by early next week. -- AFP