New Thai govt wants to lift martial law

BANGKOK, Oct 10: Thailand's post-coup government is seeking a meeting with military leaders on lifting martial law three weeks after they overthrew an elected government, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanot said today.

''We are always aware of the people's liberty, but it may take some time to lift martial law. We will do it as soon as possible,'' Surayud told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Surayud did not say when he would meet the Council for National Security, the body the military leaders have transformed themselves into following the appointment of an interim civilian government pending a new constitution and elections.

The United States and the European Union have called for an immediate revocation of martial law, an end to a ban on political gatherings and a quick return to democratic government.

Revered king Bhumibol Adulyadej told Surayud and his 26 cabinet ministers on Monday they should make improving Thailand's international image a priority.

''A lot of people who are not Thai, who are foreigners, are saying that Thailand is not good. We have to try to change that,'' he told the cabinet after swearing them in.

REUTERS