Thai martial law maintained
23/10/2006 12:12  - (SA)  

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Bangkok - Thailand's military-installed government said on Monday it will maintain martial law because supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra still intend to create political chaos.

"As long as the situation remains not calm, martial law cannot be lifted," defence minister General Boonrawd Somtat told reporters. "If there are no political undercurrents, the opportunity to lift martial law will come faster."

Boonrawd said the coup leaders had talked to supporters of Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party in a bid to stop any moves against the interim government.

The military staged a bloodless coup on September 19 when Thaksin was in New York on an official trip and appointed an interim government led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, a former army commander. He has promised to step down after a new constitution is drafted and a general election held in October next year.

The international community has called on the Thai government to lift martial law as soon as possible. Among other restrictions on civil liberties, the law bars public gatherings of more than five people. The government has eased the restriction by allowing public gatherings in indoor areas.

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