Posted on 11/29/2006 10:42:29 AM PST by correctthought
The government yesterday decided to lift martial law in Bangkok and 40 other provinces including the capital's immediate neighbours. However, 35 provinces remain fully or partly under martial law due to security concerns including drugs, illegal trade and the government's suspicions about potential threats from supporters of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The government's decision came one day after the Council for National Security (CNS) forwarded its recommendation that martial law be lifted in 48 provinces and retained in 28 other provinces, including Bangkok. Yesterday's cabinet resolution to partially lift martial law will not take effect until there is royal endorsement.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas gave no reasons why the government wanted martial law lifted in only 41 provinces.
''The cabinet made the decision thoroughly,'' Gen Surayud said.
Gen Boonrawd said security agencies assured there would be no problems in the 41 provinces once martial law is lifted.
''We're confident that we can deal with any internal security problems if they occur again in those provinces,'' he said.
He was confident that the lifting of martial law in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces would boost the country's image in the eyes of investors and tourists.
The provinces that remain entirely under martial law are Amnat Charoen, Buri Ram, Chaiyaphum, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen, Loei, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Pattani, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Yala.
The provinces where martial law is still enforced in some districts are Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Phetchaburi, Phitsanulok, Prachaup Khiri Khan, Nan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Tak, Trat, Uttaradit and Songkhla.
Malaysia yesterday welcomed the move to lift martial law, as CNS leader Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin made a one-day visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the move helped boost confidence among Thailand's neighbours about a return to democracy in the country.
''It's very important, it's part of a confidence-building measure,'' Mr Syed said.
''I think the fact they are moving towards democracy gives a lot of confidence in the current military junta,'' he said
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