Thai govt lifts emergency in more provinces

Thailand's government said on Tuesday it was lifting a state of emergency in three provinces but it would remain in force in others including Bangkok, after being imposed in April to help authorities cope with political unrest.

Thailand's government said on Tuesday it was lifting a state of emergency in three provinces but it would remain in force in others including Bangkok, after being imposed in April to help authorities cope with political unrest.

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The government had lifted the emergency in five provinces on July 6 when the initial period came to an end, but extended it for another three months in other areas covering a quarter of the country because it said anti-government elements still posed a threat.

The state of emergency bans political gatherings of more than five people and gives the government powers to censor the media. It also gives broad powers to the security forces, including the right to detain suspects without charge.