The interim PM told Government House reporters he had discussed the matter with CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. He said he had told Sonthi that a clear timeframe and effective areas for martial law should be settled.

"I suggested that martial law may be lifted in some areas. The CNS chairman agreed to consider my suggestion," Surayud said.

These were areas deemed to be "sufficiently safe".

Sonthi yesterday said he had instructed regional armies to survey their areas and find if there were movements of "undercurrent groups", the term used by the CNS to refer to supporters of deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra who secretly campaign against the coup makers.

He said the CNS would consider the results - expected within a few days - to determine whether martial law could be lifted. The CNS would also report its findings to the government, he said.

The premier had previously said martial law would be lifted when security forces were confident there was no political movement against the new government.