State of emergency in Bangkok lifted

Somchai said tensions had eased in Bangkok since the emergency was imposed early last month after pro and anti government protesters clashed in violence that left one person dead and dozens injured.

"We have analysed that the situation is less serious and if we still maintain the state of emergency, it might damage the country," acting premier Somchai said after meeting the country's army chief and other officials.

The imposing of the state of emergency by then premier Samak Sundaravej drew negative criticism from all parts of public which said it did not work out to calm the situation and severely damaged the country's slow economy and reputation.

Despite the imposing, anti-government protesteres still besieged the Government House and vowed to fight on.