Thai head calls for peace as state of emergency lifted

THAILAND’S acting prime minister has lifted a state of emergency in Bangkok, urging all sides in a political standoff to find a peaceful compromise and restore the country’s image as “The Land of Smiles”.

Acting prime minister Somchai Wongsawat said he hoped that ending the state of emergency, imposed on September 2, would help ease the tensions and bring back tourists to the country.

“The state of emergency is lifted,” Somchai told a news conference after meeting with the country’s army chief and other senior security officials.

He acknowledged that Thai society remained deeply divided but said the situation no longer justified keeping the capital under emergency rule.

“I appeal to all parties to turn to each other to resolve the problem and together heal the damage done to the nation,” he said.

Emergency rule was imposed on September 2 by then prime minister Samak Sundaravej after violent clashes between government supporters and opponents left one person dead.

Calm was quickly restored but several countries issued travel advisories that authorities say had a numbing effect on tourism, which is a valuable source of revenue for Thailand.

Parliament is scheduled to vote in a new prime minister Wednesday but there was no consensus in the six-party ruling coalition over who should replace Samak.