Thai govt approves martial law end in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Nov 28: Thailand's post-coup government decided to lift martial law in the capital and nearby provinces today to deflect international criticism after a September. 19 putsch, Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said.

However, it would remain in 35 of 76 provinces, mostly along the borderS, for security reasons, Boonrawd told reporters after cabinet approved a recommendation from the generals who toppled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra two months ago.

''We've decided to lift it in Bangkok and nearby provinces because we care about the international community and tourism,'' Boonrawd said.

The emergency security laws will not be lifted officially until King Bhumibol Adulyadej gives his assent, a formality that could take a few days.

The Council for National Security (CNS), as the coup leaders call themselves, agreed yesterday to the lifting of martial law in 41 provinces, which have been under notional army rule since the bloodless putsch.

The CNS frequently referred to ''undercurrents'' in the rural north, where Thaksin support was strongest, as justification for its continuation of martial law despite little-to-no evidence pointing to uprisings in favour of his ousted administration.

REUTERS