BANGKOK, Oct 12: Thailand’s coup leader said on Friday that martial law would be lifted in 11 more provinces but reinstated in three others in the northeast, a stronghold of the government he overthrew.

Martial law will be in force in a total of 27 of Thailand’s 76 provinces as the country prepares for elections and a return to democracy in December.

Restrictions imposed after the military overthrew premier Thaksin Shinawatra last year were lifted in 41 provinces including Bangkok in January.

“Martial law will remain in provinces along the borders to curb drug trafficking and illegal entry,” said Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who has retired as head of the junta but is now deputy prime minister in charge of security.

“There is a possibility that we will lift martial law in more areas or re-impose it in some areas,” he told reporters.

The decision to lift martial law was made by top security body the National Security Council (NSC). It is subject to cabinet approval on Tuesday, when it will take effect immediately, said Sonthi, who chairs the NSC.

Martial law will remain in the poor northern and northeastern provinces, where Thaksin’s rural policies won him many votes, and in Thailand’s Muslim-majority south, where a separatist insurgency is raging.

It has been reinstated in Mukdahan, Nong Khai and Nakhon Phanom — three provinces in the northeast which border Laos.

Thailand has previously expressed concern about ethnic minority Hmong illegally crossing the border from Laos to try to work or seek refuge in Thailand.

Political parties and pro-democracy groups have urged the junta to lift martial law, warning that losers in the elections could cite the military restrictions to challenge the outcome of the vote.

The junta has promised to hold elections on Dec 23 this year.—AFP