‘Martial law lift’ slammed

BANGKOK: The Thai junta’s decision to lift martial law was denounced by critics as cosmetic, with Washington and the United Nations warning that replacement security measures would not loosen the military’s grip on power.

In an announcement on Wednes­day, Thailand’s generals officially lifted martial law 10 months after seizing power in a coup. But the controversial law, which western allies had called on Bangkok to revoke, was replaced with a new executive order retaining sweeping powers for the military and junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha.