Thailand is lifting a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding provinces which it imposed two months ago to quell political protests.
The protesters, mainly from Bangkok and the south, have been trying since November to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and rid the country of the influence of her brother, self-exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was toppled by the army in 2006.
Twenty-three people were killed during the unrest, mostly in shootings and grenade blasts.
The state of emergency has been replaced by the Internal Security Act, a less harsh law that still allows the authorities to impose curfews and restrict demonstrators.
It’s hoped the move, which will take effect from Wednesday, will boost local businesses and revive tourism.
