国际英语新闻:Martial law lifted in Thailand, replaced by Article 44 of interim charter

BANGKOK, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Martial law was lifted in Thailand on Wednesday night, effective immediately, and replaced by Article 44 of the interim constitution.

The revocation was endorsed by the king with a royal command.

According to an announcement on the revocation, currently, there is no need to continue enforcing the martial law, which was invoked last May.

Given the martial law is revoked, it is necessary for the authorities to take measures against actions which pose threats to national order, peace and stability, defy orders from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and involve war weapons, said another announcement issued under Article 44 of the interim constitution.

Article 44 authorizes the NCPO leader to issue any order or direct any action to be done or not to be done, irrespective of whether the order or action would produce legislative, executive or judicial effect, for the sake of national security, reform and unity. Those orders or actions, as well as their observance, shall be deemed lawful, constitutional and final.