Number of anti-government protestors drops remarkably (Source: VNA)

The caretaker government in Thailand on March 18 announced an end to the state of emergency which had been imposed in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces during the last nearly two months.

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting earlier in the day under the chair of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Accordingly, the decree will be replaced by the Internal Security Act (ISA) which will be enforced from March 19 to April 30.

Talking to the press, Yingluck said the government believes it can control the situation at present, hence the removal of the decree.

The emergency decree has been effective since January 22 in Nonthaburi and Patumthani provinces, part of Samut Prakarn province and all districts in Bangkok to cope with prolonged anti-government protests.

However, the number of people attending anti-government demonstrations has dropped remarkably in recent weeks.

The application of the decree has caused huge economic losses for Thailand’s tourism sector and restricted foreign investment flows into the country.

VNA