Guest wowpow Posted October 17, 2006 Posted October 17, 2006 Groups ban to be lifted; martial law stays The military regime will allow the government to lift a ban on political gatherings of more than five people but insists on keeping the nation under martial law, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said after the cabinet meeting today. "The situation will dictate when we should lift it," Surayud said. Martial law was imposed at the time of the military coup on Sept 19, and has been the main focus of international criticism of the military council and government. "We want to see more people participating" in helping to draft national policy and set standards for the new constitution, Gen Surayud said. So far as is known, no one has been arrested for violating the ban on gatherings of more than five people. The military has the right to arrest and detain people secretly. Several small demonstrations against the coup, and at least two major protests on economic issues have been tolerated by the army. Troops monitored and videotaped the gatherings. Bangkok Post Quote
