PM: State of Emergency likely to be lifted in more of far South

BANGKOK, Nov 4 - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday there is a possibility that the state of emergency will be lifted in some areas of the violence-plagued provinces in the country's deep South.

The premier made the remarks after he had discussed over the insurgency in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat with national police chief Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree at Government House Thursday morning.

Mr Abhisit reaffirmed that his government wanted to minimise the areas under the Emergency Decree and that concerned agencies have proposed him a detailed plan of action.

"The State of Emergency is likely to be revoked in many areas," the prime minister reemphasised.

On October 19, the Cabinet extended the State of Emergency in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and four districts of Songkhla for another three months.

The extension was the 21st since the law was introduced in mid-2005 to maintain order in the restive provinces.

More than 4,100 people have died since insurgency-related incidents resumed in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat in 2004, with more complicated and more violent attacks.

The security law facilitates the operation of the security officials and allows them to detain presumed insurgents for an initial period of 30 days.

The premier earlier said there were still complaints on the special law enforcement by concerned officials lodged by local residents and pledged that the enforcement of the emergency decree should be relaxed gradually.

He said the Internal security Act will be put in place in the areas where the emergency decree will be lifted. (MCOT online news)