Thailand lifts emergency

Thailand's acting prime minister lifted the state of emergency in Bangkok on Sunday as the ruling party met to choose a new candidate for premier.

Somchai Wongsawat said tensions had eased in Bangkok since the emergency was imposed two weeks ago after pro- and anti-government protesters clashes left one person dead and dozens injured.

"We have analysed that the situation is less serious and if we still maintain the state of emergency, it might damage the country," acting premier Somchai said after meeting the country's army chief and other officials.

Thousands of protesters have besieged the grounds of Government House since last month to try to force the resignation of then PM Samak Sundaravej and his cabinet. Instead the constitutional court stripped Samak of his powers last week.