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The Council for National Security (CNS), formerly known in English as the Council for Democratic Reform and the Council for Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy; (Transliterated: Khana Montri Khwam Mankhong Haeng Chat), abbreviated , formerly (Transliterated: Khana Patirup Kan Pokkhrong Nai Rabop Prachathipatai An Mi Phra Maha Kasat Song Pen Pramuk), formerly abbreviated ; see below for other translations), was the name of the military regime that governed Thailand following the 2006 coup d'état ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It was led by Army Commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who claimed powers equivalent to Prime Minister, before appointing Surayud Chulanont as Prime Minister of Thailand.[1] Under the CNS-drafted interim consitutution, the Council continues to maintain considerable power, particularly over the drafting of a permanent constitution.