Thai PM urges military coup leaders to ease martial law

Bangkok, Nov 7 (UNI) The head of Thailand's interim civilian government, set up by the leaders of the September 19 military coup, has urged them to ease martial law restrictions in the country.

Interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told mediapersons today he had made this suggestion to the Council for National Security (CNS) headed by Army Chief General Sonthi Boonyaratakalin.

The Prime Minister said he had proposed lifting of martial law in selected areas. He also suggested that the CNS announce a ''time frame'' for keeping the country under martial law.

Only the CNS could take a decision on lifting the martial law as it is responsible for maintenance of national security and stability, Mr Chulanont said.

The CNS is engaged in assessing the security situation in the country, including underground political activities prior to taking a decision on lifting martial law, he said.

Yesterday, while briefing Bangkok-based defence attaches, Thai interim Defence Minister General Boonrawd Somtat had said the restrictions on civil liberties could not be removed now in view of the persisting underground political activities.

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