Emergency rule lifted in six Thai provinces

Jul 29, 2010, 12:27 GMT

Bangkok - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday ordered the revocation of emergency rule in six provinces, but the decree remained in force in 10 other provinces, including Bangkok.

The decree, which gives security forces increased powers, including the right to detain suspects without charge for 90 days, was lifted in the provinces of Ayutthaya, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Chon Buri, Mukdahan and Maha Sarakham.

It remains in effect in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.

The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation submitted a report to the government earlier Thursday recommending the revocation of the emergency in the six provinces.

The state of emergency was initially invoked on April 7 in 24 of Thailand's 76 provinces in the wake of widespread anti-government demonstrations and violence.

Most of the affected provinces were in the north and north-east, where anti-government sentiment is strongest and support for coup-ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the most widespread.