MP wants martial law lifted in Chiang Mai

[Khun Don]

MP wants martial law lifted in Chiang Mai

(BangkokPost.com) - A People Power party (PPP) member of parliament submitted a letter to House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, requesting him to ask Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to lift martial law in Chiang Mai.

Surapong Towichukchaikul, an MP from Chiang Mai, said martial law in the province has a negative impact on tourism and economy.

Mr Surapong said lifting martial law would help boost tourism for the annual flower festival there in February.

Mr Surapong said he does not oppose martial law in risky areas such as the three restive southern province or provinces where drugs remain a problem.

[Betti]

honestly, I don't think the martial law has much to do with tourism in this area. forest fires, crime, pollution, crazy traffic etc yes. most visitors are probably not even aware martial law hasn't been lifted - I certainly wasn't.

[Khun Don]

honestly, I don't think the martial law has much to do with tourism in this area. forest fires, crime, pollution, crazy traffic etc yes. most visitors are probably not even aware martial law hasn't been lifted - I certainly wasn't.

I was not aware it was still in place either-probably martial law applies more to political activity-which is probably why the PPP want it lifted?

[Betti]

I wonder how we had elections if there were restrictions on political activity? there definitely were posters and probably rallies too, not that I bumped into them. most people just really don't care either way I think. I mean, not passionately, they just want to go on with their lives.

[Khun Don]

I wonder how we had elections if there were restrictions on political activity? there definitely were posters and probably rallies too, not that I bumped into them. most people just really don't care either way I think. I mean, not passionately, they just want to go on with their lives.

Yes-you are right-elections and politicians don't pay the bills-in fact you can say they create them in creating taxes etc.
I am surprised the lifting of martial law was requested-surely the PPP as the de facto government could have waited until next weekand abolished it themselves?