
Thailand has lifted a ban on public gatherings, after an emergency decree failed to put a stop to mass anti-government protests in Bangkok.
Thousands have showed up for protests in recent days despite the decree which banned gathering of more than four people and put in pace an evening curfew.
In a statement the government said it was revoking the measures as the “serious situation” has eased.
Thailand is currently seeing some of its biggest protests in years.
Disillusioned by years of military rule, protesters – many of which are students – have demanded that amendments to the constitution, a new election and an end to the harassment of rights activists and state critics.
The protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha – the former army chief who seized power in a 2014 coup and was later appointed as premier after controversial elections last year.
They are also calling for curbs on the king’s powers – a demand that has led to unprecedented public discussion of an institution long shielded from criticism by law.
Protesters have been demanding for the release of activists who were arrested last week when the emergency decree came into force.
The decree allowed authorities to arrest protesters, seize electronic materials and ban certain broadcasts or publications.
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