Thai martial law may go as "new year gift"

BANGKOK, Nov 24 (Reuters) Thailand's post-coup government may lift martial law in most of the country as a ''New Year gift'' but will retain it in areas where it fears opposition is not dead, a senior official said today.

''The lifting of the martial law will be made in line with what the Army Commander-in-Chief has said, that is as a New Year gift for the public,'' Winai Phatiyakul told reporters.

''But this is not for the whole country as it will be maintained in some areas. Some provinces are still feeling undercurrents,'' said Winai, a senior official of the National Security Council, a body formed by the coup leaders.

However, the exact timing appeared uncertain despite coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the first Muslim to head the army in predominantly Buddhist Thailand, telling CNN television that martial law would be lifted by the end of the year.

Sonthi, who led the coup which overthrew prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, said in an interview he wanted a return to normality as soon as possible.

Pressed repeatedly for a timetable, Sonthi said ''when possible'', ''soon'' and finally ''yes'' when asked if martial law would be lifted before the end of the year.

However, Defence Minister General Boonrod Somtat told reporters it could come a little after the New Year.

''It will be clearer in December. At the earliest, it will be before New Year, or at the latest it will be after New Year,'' he said.'' Martial law has not been enforced in any visible way, but coup leaders have said repeatedly they were worried by ''undercurrents'' stirred by supporters of the ousted Thaksin, who still has widespread backing in the countryside.

The military staged their bloodless coup after accusing Thaksin's administration of rampant corruption and abuse of the law.

The country is now ruled by a military-appointed government headed by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

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