Thai government lifts state of emergency

Security guards look out for danger as anti-government protesters surround the Thaksin Shinawtra-owned tower office building in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. AP File photo

BANGKOK, Thailand—Thailand’s government is lifting a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas after violence related to a political crisis eased.

Government security official Tharit Phengdit said Tuesday the Cabinet had revoked the emergency decree after security agencies said the violence had decreased.

The state of emergency was declared in the Bangkok area in January after protesters threatened to shut down the capital by blocking key intersections and government offices.

Twenty-three people were killed and more than 700 were wounded in the political conflict since November.

The Cabinet said that from Wednesday the state of emergency will be replaced with a less severe security law.

The emergency decree had expanded the power of security forces to issue orders and search, arrest and detain people, with limited judicial and parliamentary oversight.

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