Martial Law Shall Continue, Says General Sonthi

[Jai Dee]

CNS chairman insisted the need to continue Martial Law

The Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, insisted that the martial law could not be revoked completely yet because of the current situation, and such withdrawal could affect the operation of the security officials in the country.

Gen. Sonthi said the CNS has to continue to impose the martial law after schools in the deep South were conflagrated by the insurgents. The martial law will be used as a tool for the southern officials. However, Gen. Sonthi insisted that the CNS has an intention to abolish the law in other areas for the image of the country.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Anupong Paujinda, revealed that the CNS is scheduled to hold an informal meeting with the Cabinet in the near future to discuss the cooperation of both parties.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 December 2006