Thai PM orders withdrawal of state of emergency

Bangkok

THAI Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha ordered the withdrawal of the week-old state of emergency in the nation's capital that barred large gatherings, in a bid to pacify pro-democracy protesters calling for the resignation of his government and monarchy reform.

The move follows a de-escalation in the situation that allows authorities to use existing laws to manage protests, said a notification signed by Mr Prayuth in the Royal Gazette. While the main organisers did not stage formal rallies on Thursday, hundreds of protesters gathered in several locations across Thailand.