Political Unrest

Thailand lifts state of emergency

(15 September 2008)

Thailand's acting prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, has announced that the state of emergency in Bangkok has been lifted.

Services and everyday life in the city are nearly back to normal with the interim prime minister keen to uphold Thailand's reputation as 'The Land of Smiles.'

The decree had been in place since 2 September after violence between pro- and anti-government demonstrators left one man dead.

Pro-democracy demonstrators closed airports and train workers went on strike late last month in a bid to force the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.