BANGKOK, Sept 16 — Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha said his government would maintain martial law for as long as it helped Thai people feel safe.
Speaking to reporters after today’s cabinet meeting, Gen Prayuth said his government might consider partially lifting the martial law in some provinces.
Although the situation appeared calm on the surface, there are still underground movements against his government.
Gen Prayuth, who is heads the National Council for Peace and Order, stressed that although martial law is still intact, not all of its 10 sections are being enforced.
Martial law was imposed nationwide May 20 by the NCPO, which seized adminstrative power on May 22.
Gen Prayuth admitted that the imposition of martial law has affected the country’s image but said he has continued to explain to foreign countries the real situation in Thailand and they tend to understand.
He also cited an opinion survey of Thai people on martial law, saying that 80 per cent of the respondents said they were not affected by the law and felt more secure with it.
Lifting martial law needs cautious consideration and needs to take into account national benefits.
