Thai king approves end of martial law in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Jan 26 (Reuters) Thailand's king approved today the lifting of martial law in Bangkok and nearby provinces two months after the interim government announced the move to deflect international criticism after a September. 19 coup.

However, emergency security laws would remain in 35 of 76 provinces, mostly along the borders, according to an announcement published in the Royal Gazette today.

The lifting of martial law in 41 provinces, announced by the army-appointed government on November. 28, required assent from King Bhumibol Adulyadej to take effect.

It was not clear how the decision would affect security in the capital, where three people were killed in New Year's Eve bombings the government blamed on politicians who lost power in the bloodless putsch.

Martial law would remain in northern border areas, including the town of Chiang Mai, the home of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who has been living in exile and denied any involvement in the Bangkok bombings.

Emergency security laws would also stay in effect in the Muslim-dominated far south where more than 1,900 people have been killed in three years of violence.

REUTERS SSC PM1818