6 Jul 2010

Thai government extends state of emergency

7:31 pm on 6 July 2010

The Thai government has extended a state of emergency in 19 provinces, including the capital, Bangkok, because of fears of renewed violence.

The emergency decree was revoked in five other provinces, after a three-month deadline expired.

The law was imposed during mass anti-government protests earlier this year in which 90 people were killed.

Under emergency rule, public gatherings of more than five people are banned and security forces have the right to detain suspects for 30 days without charge.

The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations says weapons believed to have been taken by anti-government protesters have not yet been retrieved.