BANGKOK (AP) – The Thai government on Thursday rescinded the state of emergency for Bangkok in a gesture to quell massive student-led protests for democratic reform.
Under the decree, public gatherings of more than four people were banned and censorship of the media was allowed, among other provisions. The opposition and a group of university students challenged him in court.
The revocation of the state of emergency decree, which came into force on Thursday afternoon, revealed that the situation had been reduced and could be addressed by existing laws.
Prime Minister Pruth Chan-ocha went on national television on Wednesday night and appealed to pro-democracy protesters to reduce political tensions and promised to take emergency measures.
“I will take the first step to de-escalate this situation,” he said. “I am currently preparing to lift the state of emergency in Bangkok and will act urgently if no violence occurs.”
As he spoke, protesters marched on the Government House, next to his office, demanding his resignation. He also demanded the release of his comrades arrested in connection with the earlier protests.
They said they would return in three days if their demands were not met. Although the protesters made their way through the police lines, neither side resorted to violence.
Opponents are pushing for a more democratic constitution and reform of the monarchy. The implicit criticism of the monarchy has caused controversy because it has traditionally been considered a pillar of culture and national identity.
On Wednesday, the monarchs held rallies in several cities, led by local civil servants in many places, to defend the monarchy. A small rally in Bangkok sparked clashes between anti-government protesters and palace supporters.
The eighth day of protests was also marked by the pro-democracy movement that began in March on Wednesday, although many top opposition leaders were detained.
In a taped speech, Priyuth urged his countrymen to resolve their political differences through parliament.
“The only way for a lasting settlement for all sides that is right on the streets as well as for the millions of people who choose not to take to the streets is to discuss and resolve these differences through a parliamentary process,” he said.
The government has approved a request to convene parliament to address the political crisis in a special session from Monday to Wednesday.
“I appeal to all sides that the injuries must now be healed before they go too deep,” Priyuth said.
The state of emergency was lifted as the Bangkok Civil Court prepared to rule on the motion to repeal the decree on the grounds that it was illegally undermining the independence of the legislature.
The leader of the opposition Faw Thai party team in court on Wednesday said he was not impressed that Prithvi had revoked the decree.
“It simply came to our notice then. Why Because if he had not lifted the state of emergency today and the court had ordered temporary protection to the protesters, it would have meant that all his orders and announcements were illegal, “said MLA Cholan Shrikaev.
Separately, the official committee overseeing the fight against coronavirus said the government was renewing the national emergency for the seventh time, which was implemented in March to end the disease. It gives provincial governors the power to ban gatherings, movements and media reports.
Officers suffered a legal shock on Wednesday when a judge barred them from enforcing restraining orders at several media outlets because they had failed to comply with due process.
Police tried to impose censorship on the media reporting of the protest, which they called “distorted information” which could cause unrest and confusion.
They want to block access to the sites of four Thai news organizations and a working group that has broadcast live coverage of the protests. They also proposed a ban on over-the-air digital television coverage of a broadcaster and Voice Is TV.
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