Emergency rule set to be lifted in much of Thailand: PM

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's premier said Thursday that emergency rule, imposed during mass opposition protests in the capital, was likely to be lifted in many provinces next month.

The emergency decree, in place across about a third of the country, including Bangkok, is due to expire on July 7. The cabinet will decide whether to extend it based on the advice of security officials.

"I believe that the state of emergency is likely to be lifted in many areas," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters.

The government has indicated it is likely to keep the state of emergency in the capital, despite calls from the opposition for the law to be revoked for a by-election in Bangkok scheduled for July 25.

Two months of mass anti-government protests by the "Red Shirt" movement, who were seeking immediate elections, sparked outbreaks of violence that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured.

"There are still some elements involved in the movement and we don't want that to happen," Abhisit said.

"The government is trying to tell those people that there is a process to solve the problem and they should refrain from acts of violence."

Abhisit invoked emergency rule in Bangkok on April 7, banning public gatherings of more than five people and giving broad powers to the police and military.

Enraged protesters went on a rampage of arson after a deadly army crackdown ended their rally on May 19. The unrest also spread outside the capital, particularly in the Reds' stronghold in the impoverished northeast.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-06-24

Emergency rule set to be lifted in much of Thailand: PM

No way Jose.

Emergency rule set to be lifted in much of Thailand: PM

No way Jose.

How come there are people who will NEVER EVER believe anything the government says. It is more than likely that the ER will be lifted is larger parts of the country. The government knows the longer they instill the ER the more pressure to justify it's use. With 19/05 a month behind us it's time to (try to) get back to normal. Not easy with everyone and his dog complaining.