Thailand Likely To End Emergency Rule By New Year: PM Abhisit

Thailand likely to end emergency rule by New Year: PM

BANGKOK, December 8, 2010 (AFP) - Thailand is likely to lift a controversial state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas by the end of this year, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday.

"The situation has improved," said Abhisit.

"I think (emergency rule) will be lifted before the New Year," he told reporters, adding that the authorities would retain measures to monitor people inciting unrest and to contain protesters.

The laws were introduced in the capital in early April in response to mass anti-government rallies by the "Red Shirt" movement that ultimately left more than 90 people dead in clashes between demonstrators and the army.

The laws have been revoked in many areas but maintained in the capital in light of a series of minor blasts.

They ban public gatherings of more than five people and give security forces the right to detain suspects for 30 days without charge.

The Thai government has come under pressure from the United States and rights groups to roll back the emergency powers to help the country recover from civil violence that has left it deeply divided.

The two-month rally by the Reds, many of whom back fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, attracted up to 100,000 people demanding immediate elections, but was broken up by the army on May 19.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-12-08