Martial law, rally ban to be reviewed
The new Cabinet will today consider lifting martial law and bans on political gatherings - both of which have been condemned internationally and locally.
The government also hinted at twice-monthly official news media briefings. Surapong Towichakchaikul, the director of the Thai Rak Thai Party's northern provincial election centre, would today ask Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to scrap martial law."Since the country has a new government and the political situation has eased, there is no need to maintain martial law,'' he said. Resort hotel owner Yuthana Puakpothong welcomed the move, saying the strict controls adversely affected the hotel trade. Seminar guests had cancelled for fear of breaking the law banning gatherings of five or more. Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said the Cabinet and state security agencies would consider lifting the unpopular martial law. He said Surayud may hold twice-monthly press conferences and had not ruled out giving on-the-spot interviews.
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