2 Oct 2010

Emergency decrees lifted in some areas

6:04 am on 2 October 2010

Thailand has lifted emergency rule in three provinces but not in Bangkok and three other areas.

A state of emergency remains in place in Bangkok and in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan.

The government says the situation remains volatile in the capital, months after clashes between security forces and protesters left 91 people dead and nearly 2000 wounded in April and May.

The decrees were imposed after an army crackdown on 19 May.

Rights groups say the decree is unconstitutional and is being used by the government to stifle its opponents.

There has been a series of minor bombings in Bangkok in recent months, although no one has claimed responsibility.