Council for National Security (CNS) chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin gave an interview to CNN Asia cable news confirming his plan for partial end of martial law.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas meanwhile said the government and the CNS would soon hold a consultation to determine the details for ending the draconian security measures.

CNS secretary general Winai Phattiyakul said martial law would remain in effect in areas where subversive activities continue.

Arson attacks against school buildings in the North and Northeast have not ceased and authorities continue to uncover anticoup leaflets in certain areas, Winai said.

"The CNS has yet to review the security situation in each province before finalising its decision on martial law," he said.

He said the end of martial law would hinge on the domestic security situation and not the travelling around Asian countries by deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

CNS deputy chairman Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk said the public would be the ultimate judge about the September 19 coup, reminding relevant parties not to be overly concerned about anticoup leaflets.

"I think the people will judge the CNS based on its performance instead of believing in wild speculation," he said, referring to a leaflet message that the CNS will cling to power after the next general election.

The Nation