THAILAND: Martial law to end in 41 Thai provinces

But restrictions will go on in Thaksin's northern stronghold and in the restive south

Straits Times
Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Bangkok --- Thailand's military-installed government said yesterday that martial law will be lifted across half of the country, including Bangkok, in the first easing of restrictions since the September coup.

But military rule will remain in force across much of Thailand's rural northern heartland, as well as in provinces in the far south, where a separatist insurgency has raged for nearly three years, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said.

Martial law is now set to end in 41 provinces, mainly in the central part of the country.

General Boonrawd said it would remain in effect in the other 35 provinces "due to both domestic and foreign security concerns, as well as concerns about drug smuggling and illegal immigration."

The northern tourist spot of Chiang Mai, birthplace of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is among the regions to remain under martial law.

Two of the biggest cities in north-eastern Thailand, Khon Kaen and Buri Ram, will also stay under military rule. Both are considered bastions of support for the former leader.

In its decision, the Cabinet largely followed recommendations made on Monday by Thailand's army chief, General Sonthi Boonyarataglin, but rejected his proposal to keep martial law in Bangkok.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej still must sign off on the decision.

He normally signs government orders within days of Cabinet approval.

Gen Boonrawd said the government hoped its decision would help ease the pressure on Thailand.

"The lifting is to improve our international image and to help tourism.

"We are confident that we can control the situation," he said.

Singapore and Malaysia yesterday welcomed the decision.

"Singapore welcomes the Thai government's decision to partially lift martial law. It is a positive step towards the restoration of constitutional rule in Thailand.

"As an old friend, Singapore wishes Thailand well," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said in a statement.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the decision by Thailand's interim government boosted confidence among its South-east Asian neighbours about a return to democracy in the country.

Date Posted: 11/29/2006