Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed hope the move would allow the nation to gradually return to normalcy.

The government argued that the state of emergency, which suspends some civil liberties and gives the military broad powers to keep order, helped keep troublemakers from moving freely in the countryside. It said parts of Bangkok also remained at risk of attack.

The Cabinet is to meet on Tuesday to decide whether to extend the decree, which expires on Wednesday.

Speaking on his weekly television show, Abhisit said he was confident that the measures would be lifted or relaxed in areas where authorities “possess tools that will ensure peace”.

The “Red Shirt” protesters consist of members of the urban and rural poor, democracy activists and politicians loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup on corruption allegations. They occupied Bangkok’s commercial centre for weeks, forcing upscale shopping malls and hotels to close. The protests ended on May 19 when the army moved in, forcibly dispersing the crowds.