The Bangkok Post tipped former central bank chief Chatu Mongol Sonakul because of his monetary and fiscal expertise as well as his recognition in the world community.

Military and civilian sources working with the coup leaders said that former Senate speaker Meechai Richuphand, who is writing laws for the coup leaders, was also being considered.

Four days after they ousted the democratically elected government of Thaksin Shinawatra, all eyes are on the Thai military to fulfil their pledge to pick an interim leader within two weeks to oversee political reforms and eventual elections.

The coup is Thailand's 18th since it became a constitutional monarchy in 1932, but its first in 15 years.

Officials and business people are particularly concerned about the effects on investment and the economy, already damaged by a nearly year-long political crisis over Thaksin's rule.

Newspapers have been rife with speculation over who will be named by the coup leaders, who have named themselves the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy.

The military declined to comment on the latest reports.

"We want to make sure the one selected is well accepted by the people. It will take time, but it won't go beyond 14 days." coup spokesman Major General Thawip Netniyom said.