Martial law may be half lifted
27/11/2006 17:11  - (SA)  

Thai martial law 'to lift soon' Thai martial law 'to lift soon' Thaksin relatives to be charged Thaksin relatives to be charged Thaksin in China, says Junta Thaksin in China, says Junta Protester dies 'for democracy' Protester dies 'for democracy' Thai martial law maintained Thai martial law maintained Surge of violence in Thailand Surge of violence in Thailand

Bangkok - Thailand's junta leader said on Monday he had asked the government to lift martial law across more than half the country in what would be the first easing of military rule since the September coup.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin told reporters that only Bangkok and parts of the far south and the north and northeast would remain under martial law.

The cabinet will meet on Tuesday to consider the proposal. Any decision would also have to be endorsed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Sonthi said he had recommended to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont that martial law be lifted in "some parts of the country, except for provinces on the borders and in Bangkok, which I will leave to the prime minister to decide".

"It would be lifted in about 40 provinces," he said. Thailand has 76 provinces.

"It's up to the cabinet to decide when martial law will be lifted. We cannot decide for them," Sonthi added.

What is this?    Yahoo    Digg  Del.icio.us  Facebook Brought to you by OUTsurance Car Insurance News24 on mobile News24 on facebook profile