Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has announced that martial law imposed by the military government following the 2006 coup will be lifted in 170 districts of 31 provinces. However, martial law will remain in three southern provinces of Thailand: Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

The Thai Prime Minister, Samak Sundaravej, has said martial law will now be lifted from most of the country. Martial law was imposed by the military government which took power in a coup in 2006.
 
Mr. Samak said the restrictions were no longer needed following democratic elections in December and the restoration of civilian rule, and also because of the passing of the new Internal Security Act. However, martial law will remain in three southern provinces: Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Human rights groups say the new security law gives wide and ill-defined powers to the army.
 
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