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The ban on political gatherings of more than five people will be eased to involve more people in government policy making, Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Tuesday, but it does not mean the martial law is lifted.

Surayud told Thai media after a cabinet meeting Tuesday that he would ask the Council to amend the ban, which, in conjunction with the martial law, was imposed over the country by the military Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) immediately after it launched the Sept. 19 coup to seize power.

Under an announcement by the CDR, which later renamed itself as Council for National Security (CNS), a group of five or more people are prohibited from organizing a meeting or gathering for political purposes as long as martial law is in effect. Offenders face a jail term of up to six months and a fine of up to 10,000 baht (US$270).

Surayud said the CNS agreed in principle to his proposal. The proposed amendments would allow political functions, including party meetings and conventions of over five persons, to take place in private venues such as a convention center or university auditorium, as long as it stays out of the streets.

He said he proposed the amendments because his interim government wanted to solicit different views in regard to the drafting of the new Constitution, the revamp of the justice system and enhancement of the education system.

However, the premier said he did not know when martial law might be lifted. He said "circumstances would determine" whether martial law stays or goes.

Thai media quoted political analysts as saying that since the ban has been enforced as a law under military rule, any changes to the ban would have to be endorsed by the CNS before coming into effect, then to be pushed through by the National Legislative Assembly, the interim Parliament, to replace the CDR announcement.

So far there has been no reported arrest of people for violating the ban on gatherings, although several small demonstrations against the coup and at least two major protests on economic issues have been staged.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2006)