Thailand decides to partially lift martial law

The Thai PM did not say exactly which provinces cabinet had agreed to end military rule, or when the decision would take effect.

Thailand's military-installed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said on Tuesday his government has decided to lift martial law in parts of the country, including the capital Bangkok.

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"The cabinet has approved the recommendation by the Council for National Security to lift martial law in some parts of the country," Surayud told reporters.

The junta that seized power on September 19, which now calls itself the Council for National Security, recommended on Monday that martial law be lifted in about half of Thailand.

Surayud did not say exactly which provinces cabinet had agreed to end military rule, or when the decision would take effect.

The defence minister was expected to announce details later on Tuesday.

Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej must sign off on the decision before it becomes final.