Thai PM asks king's permission to lift martial law

Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday he has asked for King Bhumibol Adulyadej`s permission to lift martial law which has been in place nationwide since before a May coup.

The law, among other things, bans all political gatherings and gives the military sweeping powers of arrest and detention.

"I have asked for the king`s permission to lift martial law. The power is now with His Majesty," Prayuth told reporters, adding that he would replace martial law with Article 44 in the interim constitution.

Tour operators had urged the junta to lift martial law, particularly in areas that attract many tourists, in order to boost the sector after months of protests in 2014 took a toll on international visitors to Thailand.