Prayut will lift Bangkok emergency ‘if rallies stay peaceful’

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said his government is prepared to withdraw emergency rules banning large gatherings in the capital if the mounting protests demanding his ouster and monarchy reforms remain peaceful.

Gen Prayut’s pledge during a television address to review the state of emergency issued last week came as thousands of protesters marched to the prime minister’s office known as the Government House in Bangkok on Wednesday. Simultaneous rallies by pro-royalist groups in support of His Majesty the King also raised fears of clashes between the rival groups.

Gen Prayut urged the protesters to use a special session of the parliament next week to air their grievances through lawmakers and said the government and…