CNS proposes to lift martial laws in 40 provinces

Council for National Security will propose for cabinet approval on Tuesday the lifting up of martial law in about 40 provinces across the country, except some in deep south.

CNS's chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will decide whether to lift the law in Bangkok or not.

"If something happens in Bangkok, the prime minister will be responsible for handling it. So I will leave him to decide whether Bangkok should be remained under the law or not," he said.

"Parts of the far south and the north and northeast, particularly the border provinces would remain under martial law. CNS will forward the decision to the Cabinet for approval," Sonthi said.

The cabinet will meet Tuesday to consider the proposal. Earlier Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas said that the law would be remained in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Buri Ram and Surin where pro-Thaksing groups are still active.

Sonthi said he wanted to keep the martial law in deep southern provinces where suspected militants have intensified their attacks on people.

Most of the northern and northeastern provinces where martial law would remain in place are because there are some reports that of supporting for deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Sonthi resisted that the law should remain there because what he describes as anti-coup "undercurrents".

The Nation