Thai gov't reaffirms martial law to be lifted soon

In a bid to further restore confidence among foreign countries towards Thailand's political situation, Thai Ministry of Defense has explained to diplomats here that the martial law imposed since the Sept. 19 coup will be lifted as soon as "the undercurrent political situation" recedes, Thai News Agency reported Tuesday.

"Undercurrent political situation" is the term the interim government uses to refer to secretive political activities in support of the former government led by ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thai Defense Minister Boonrawd Somtat invited representatives of 20 embassies to a discussion and clarification of the ministry's policy on Monday, the News Agency said, adding that the ministry 's performance will be changed in accordance with the security alteration, so as to ensure a political reform.

As for the insurgency in Thailand's southern border provinces, the defense minister said that cooperation from all sectors of Thai society is being sought.

Source: Xinhua