Thailand Parliamentary Elections Monitoring & Observation 2007/ 2008

(BangkokPost.com) - Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin said Friday martial law will remain in effect in parts of the country even after the December general election.

"Martial law will remain to help security officials crack down on drugs and illegal entry, not for political purposes," Gen Sonthi told reporters.

Martial law was imposed across Thailand a day after the Sept 19, 2006 coup. Currently, it remains in 35 provinces, mostly in the Northern and Northeastern regions which are the stronghold of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai party.

The government is likely to lift martial law in 11 provinces next week and reintroduce it in three northeastern provinces.

"Martial law will remain in force in 27 provinces, but is not aimed at obstructing political activities. It is to ensure national security," Gen Sonthi said.

CNS spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said early this week the CNS will ask the government to lift martial law in Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

At the same time, it suggested that martial law be reimposed in Nakhon Phanom, Nong Khai and Mukdahan, where it had been lifted in January.

Source : http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=121894