Thai caretaker government lifts State of Emergency Decree in capital

BANGKOK, Sept 14 (TNA) - The State of Emergency Decree imposed in the Thai capital of Bangkok almost two weeks ago by former prime minister Samak Sundaravej following bloody clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters was lifted Sunday, caretaker prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said.

Accompanied by Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda and
national police chief Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Mr. Somchai told a
press conference that the Decree, imposed in Bangkok on September 2, was
lifted effective Sunday as the officials concerned believe that no more
violence will occur.

He said Gen. Anupong will head a security working committee to be formed
to take responsibility for overseeing security in the country, especially
Bangkok, while the police chief will monitor the general situation in the
country.

Urging both pro- and anti-government protesters from the People's Alliance
for Democracy (PAD) to "perform activities under the law", Mr. Somchai
said that the conflicts should come to an end.

"The country has been damaged heavily," he said, adding that Thailand is
already facing a number of problems affecting the economy, poverty and
natural calamities.

"Thailand is known as the 'Land of Smiles' among foreigners," he said,
"and we should try our best to bring back that impression."

Senior business executives from the private sector earlier voiced
opposition to the Decree, charging that it has a psychological impact on
foreign investor confidence and tarnishes the image of the capital, known
as the 'City of Angels', and ranked as the world's most attractive living
place. (TNA)