Bangkok Post : Emergency rule lifted in six more provinces

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered the revocation of the emergency decree in six out of the 16 provinces on Thursday -- Ayutthaya, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Chon Buri, Mukdahan and Maha Sarakham.

"There will be an announcement that the state of emergency will be lifted in six more provinces, effective today," Mr Abhisit said on Thursday afternoon.

The state of emergency is still in force in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen and Samut Prakan.
 
Emergency rule was initially invoked on April 7 in 24 provinces to deal with anti-government movements.

Deputy Prime Minister and Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation chief Suthep Thaugsuban chaired a meeting with top security officials on Thursday morning to evaluate the security situation in each province where the emergency rule was still enforced.

The meeting lasted an hour and its recommendation was forwarded to the prime minister.

The prime minister had asked the cabinet that the revocation of the emergency law will not be proposed at the cabinet meeting because he would like to make the decision himself, Mr Suthep said.

"Invoking the state of emergency in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces is still necessary because it is clear that authorities are using the law as a tool to ensure peace and order.

"Arrests have to be made and we have to prevent people from inciting unrest, and the emergency decree can solve these problems," the deputy premier said.

He said the government had no plans to extend the emergency decree until the end of this year but it would depend on the situation.