Thailand's ruling junta lifts martial law: televised statement

[BANGKOK] Thailand's ruling junta, known as the National Council for Peace and Order, announced in a televised statement on Wednesday that it had lifted martial law, which had been in place nationwide since just before a coup 10 months ago.

"We have lifted martial law around the country," the junta said in a televised statement.

Thailand's military seized power on May 22, ousting the government of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra after months of sometimes violent street protests in Bangkok that left nearly 30 people dead.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also junta chief, said on Tuesday he had asked for King Bhumibol Adulyadej's permission to lift the law. He said he would replace it with a new order retaining significant powers for the military.

REUTERS