Results for "Triangle+|+8+>+193"

Sawatdee kha.

http://www.thaivisa.com/....php?showtopic=94729

Thai govt to lift martial law in Bangkok

Thailand's post-coup government has decided to lift martial law in the capital and nearby provinces to deflect international criticism after a September 19 putsch, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas says.

However, it will remain in 35 of 76 provinces, mostly along the borders, for security reasons, Boonrawd told reporters after cabinet approved a recommendation from the generals who toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra two months ago.

"We've decided to lift it in Bangkok and nearby provinces because we care about the international community and tourism, " Boonrawd said.

The emergency security laws will not be lifted officially until King Bhumibol Adulyadej gives his assent, a formality that could take a few days.

The Council for National Security (CNS), as the coup leaders call themselves, agreed to the lifting of martial law in 41 provinces, which have been under notional army rule since the bloodless putsch.

The CNS frequently referred to "undercurrents" in the rural north, where Thaksin support was strongest, as justification for its continuation of martial law despite little-to-no evidence pointing to uprisings in favour of his ousted administration.

Boonrawd said martial law would remain in Thaksin's northern hometown of Chiang Mai, which lies close to the infamous Golden Triangle opium producing region where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet.

"Martial law has to be kept in Chiang Mai, not only for security reasons, but also for drug suppression, " he said.