Cabinet To Decide On Martial Law On Tuesday

[george]

Cabinet to decide on martial law on Tuesday

BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the Cabinet will discuss during its weekly meeting this Tuesday whether to lift the martial law or not.

Martial law has been in effect since the military seizure of power in September 19, through which Gen. Surayud was installed as prime minister.

Gen. Surayud spoke to reporters upon returning from a one-day official visit to Cambodia on Sunday.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that he discussed the martial law issue with Army Chief Sonthi

Boonyaratkalin who also heads the Council for National Security which retains ultimate power over

the country at the moment by virtue of its imposition of martial law.

Gen. Surayud said that martial law would be on agenda of the weekly Cabinet meeting but declined to discuss the issue any further until after the Cabinet meeting since, he said, this is a matter of collective decision.

Right activists, academics and varied civil society organisations have called for the revocation of martial law banning political gatherings and activities, claiming that the law violated the constitution and even the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Gen.Surayud said earlier that the government did not ignore the public concern over this subject but it needs some certain time to revoke the law.

--TNA 2006-10-16

[Jai Dee]

The government hasn't revoked martial law yet

Defence Minister Gen.Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) said the government hasn't revoked martial law but would do so in the near future when the time is appropriate.

The Defence Minister also said Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont might bring the case for discussion in the National Security Council meeting today.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM to declare the lift of martial law after meeting

Prime Minister Gen.Surayud Chulanont <สุรยุทธ์ จุลานนท์> revealed before attending the Cabinet meeting at the Government House, that he would declare whether the martial law will be lifted after the meeting.

Defence minister Gen. Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) said the martial law is still effective but he doesn't think it would be used for a very long term.

Today at 01.30 pm. the prime minister would chair a meeting of the National Security Council, which will be participated by Army chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin <สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน>, Navy chief Adm. Sathiraphand Gaeyanond <สถิรพันธุ์ เกยานนท์>, Air Force chief ACM. Chalit Pukpasuk <ชลิต พุกผาสุก> and senior security-related officials.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Banharn agrees with time delay to revoke martial law

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) agrees with the government and the Council National Security (CNS) for not revoking the martial law at this moment, while viewing that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra should not return to Thailand right now.

He said the martial law is still needed during the current situation as he believes that there are still hidden undercurrents. Regarding to the abrogation of the 7th CNS announcement to prohibit political gatherings, he said that his party will not hold any political activity right now as the party is waiting for clearer signs.

Mr. Banharn said he does not want Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin to comeback to Thailand at this time because he is concerned over the security matters. He said that the former premier should wait for an appropriate time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 October 2006