Thai Cabinet to hold mobile meeting in Hua Hin, mull to lift martial law

BANGKOK, Mach 26 (TNA) - The Thai Cabinet will hold a mobile meeting in Hua Hin of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province from March 27-28, during which the revocation of the martial law may be considered. Upon his arrival in Thailand on Thursday morning, after concluding his two-day official visit to Brunei, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha told journalists briefly that the Thai Cabinet, at its upcoming mobile meeting in Hua Hin, may consider enforcing Article 44 of the present Provisional Constitution, in place of the martial law. The prime minister made it clear that the planned change depends, however, on the updated situation, stressing that his interim government will try the best to facilitate operations of local security officers. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan also told journalists that the Thai army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has discussed the possibility of replacing the martial law with an alternative law to ease external pressure. General Prawit said legal experts have been assigned to work out the draft alternative law but there is no timeframe for the drafting of the new law. The deputy prime minister, who oversees national security, insisted that the martial law has not affected most people in the country, as only two provisions have been enforced so far, including those allowing authorities to issue arrest warrants against suspects and to search suspicious places. Meanwhile, Deputy National Police Chief Police General Chakthip Chaijinda was visiting Hua Hin to inspect preparations and readiness for the March 27-28 mobile Cabinet meeting. The deputy national police chief then told reporters that all concerned units have been well-prepared for the mobile Cabinet meeting in all dimensions, including the deployment of nearly 3,000 security officers to maintain order and to facilitate the Cabinet's mobile meeting, while there have been no intelligence reports on any untoward movement. (TNA)