State of emergency lifted

The state of emergency in Thailand was lifted on 24 April 2009 at 1200 local time. The removal of the restrictions, which banned gatherings of five or more individuals, limited media reports and gave security forces additional powers to disperse protesters, was announced after a special two-day Parliament meeting was called on 22 April in an effort to alleviate the ongoing political tensions. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also stated in his announcement that the government will work to amend the constitution so that in the event of extending crises, the country will be protected from economic distress. The government's decision to lift the state of emergency is in line with the decreasing opposition activity in Bangkok, where the situation has returned to relative normalcy since protesters dispersed on 14 April. However, rumors continue to emerge that anti-government activists will resume protests in the capital. As such, police officers and military officials remain deployed in and around the Government House. The United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has indicated that it will organize a rally at Sanam Luang on 25 April, while other protests will be held in Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Nonthaburi. Originally, protests were planned for 25 April in Samut Sakhon; however, they have been canceled. Protests are still planned in Nakon Ratchasima on 30 April. Additionally, tensions increased on 23 April, when reports, confirmed by the army chief, emerged that bullets found at the site of the attempted assassination of pro-government activist Sondhi Limthongkul belonged to the military.