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Published on October 31, 2007

"Martial law will remain in effect mostly in border areas plagued by drug trafficking, smuggling and the exploitation of natural resources," said government spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai.

Of the 179 districts, 115 are on the border, followed by 26 located within the border provinces and 38 comprising strife-torn areas in the deep South.

Three Muang districts, the seats of provincial governments in Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Sakon Nakhon, are still under martial law because of border-related problems.

Chiang Mai, the stronghold of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Chiang Rai, backyard of his supporter Yongyuth Tiyapairat, and Buri Ram, bastion of another supporter Newin Chidchob, had martial law retained only in border districts.

Eight border and southern provinces remain under blanket martial law. These are Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Tak, Mae Hong Son and Ranong.

 Piyanart Srivalo

 The Nation