The Thai government has extended a state of emergency in 19 provinces, including the capital Bangkok, for fears of renewed violence. The emergency decree was revoked in five other provinces, after a three-month deadline expired. The law was imposed during mass anti-government protests earlier this year in which 90 people were killed. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told the reporters on Monday that there would be a gradual lifting of emergency law. Under emergency rule, public gatherings of more than five people are banned and security forces have the right to detain suspects for 30 days without charge. More than 400 people have been arrested. BackgroundThe Thai government imposed a rule of emergency after the Red Shirt movement unleashed massive anti-government protests, pushing for immediate elections, sparked outbreaks of violence that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured. The government rejected a call from the opposition for the emergency decree to be revoked for a parliamentary by-election in Bangkok on July 25. A Red Shirt leader detained on charges of terrorism is running in the vote as a candidate for the opposition Puea Thai Party. Enraged protesters went on a rampage of arson after a deadly army crackdown ended their rally on May 19. The unrest also spread outside the capital, particularly in the Reds' stronghold in Thailand's impoverished northeast. The five provinces where emergency rule will be lifted are Si Sa Ket, Kalasin, Nan, Nakhon Sawan and Nakhon Pathom, scattered around north, northeast and central Thailand.
