Thai PM lifts state of emergency

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 04-24-2009 20:48

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has lifted a state of emergency in Bangkok and promised constitutional reforms in the latest bid to resolve the country's political turmoil.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva answers a  question during a news conference at the government  house Friday, April 24, 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand.  Abhisit lifted a state of emergency Friday that was  imposed in the capital following anti-government riots by supporters of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, while authorities tried to locate the fugitive tycoon  abroad.(AP Photo)

Following a two-day special parliamentary session, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lifted the state of emergency on Friday, and announced a commission to amend the constitution to resolve a long-running political crisis.

Abhisit Vejjajiva said, "We believe that it is now time that we can lift the state of emergency while retaining order so today the state of emergency has been lifted as of noon."

The reaction from Bangkok residents was mixed.

Bangkok Resident said, "It's good because everyone will go back to living a normal life and businesses will continue with confidence."

"The future situation has nothing to do with whether the emergency law has been lifted or not. The situation will depend on what the political groups will do in the future."

The state of emergency was declared by the Thai government on April 12th in the capital Bangkok and some districts of five nearby provinces, due to escalating violence at scattered anti-government protests.

Editor:Yang Jie