Thai government extends state of emergency in Bangkok

The Thai government has extended a state of emergency in 19 provinces, including the capital Bangkok, because of 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The emergency decree was revoked in five other provinces, after a three-month deadline expired.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 BBC 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.

There have been calls by human rights organisations to lift what they describe as a "draconian" law, saying it risks driving opposition underground.

The five provinces where emergency rule has been lifted are Si Sa Ket, Kalasin, Nan, Nakhon Sawan and Nakhon Pathom, located in north, north-east and central Thailand.

There are 76 provinces in Thailand.

The BBC's Alastair Leithead in Bangkok said things appear to have largely returned to normal after anti-government protesters took over part of the capital demanding new elections.

But the government said there were still fears of instability as weapons taken from security forces during a riot in April had not been recovered.

"We have been informed there are people who continue to try to spread false information to spur hatred and instigate unrest," said Ongart Klampaiboon, minister to the prime minister's office, after the ruling.

The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (Cres) had recommended that emergency rule be extended across all affected provinces.

The Cres is made up of representatives from the armed forces, police and government ministries; key roles are held by military nominees.

It was set up to manage the government's response to the so-called red-shirt anti-government protests in April and May.

The demonstrations were broken up by the military after violent clashes which left 90 dead and more than 2,000 injured.

Mr Abhisit has said he is beginning a process of reconciliation.

The International Crisis Group has warned that the "legitimate frustrations" of the anti-government movement were "being forced underground and possibly towards illegal and violent actions".

The think tank called for the release of all those detained, and for an end to the "sweeping ban" on opposition media outlets.

A member of the "red-shirt" movement, currently in hiding in Thailand, has warned an underground group is already training in bomb-making.