Thai junta aims to return happiness

In this June 4, 2014 photo, Thai soldiers smile during an event called "Return Happiness to the People" at Bangkok's Victory Monument, Thailand. The military junta that seized power here last month has no plans to return power to the people any time soon. But it has launched an official campaign to bring back something else this divided nation desperately needs - happiness. [Photo/IC]

Related story: Curfew lifted in more Thai tourist destinations

BANKOK - The Thai military junta on Sunday announced to lift the curfew in Koh Chang of Trat province, Hat Yai of Songkhla province and Koh Pangan of Surat Thani province, all popular tourist destinations.

The National Council for Peace and Order has so far lifted the curfew currently imposed from midnight to 4 am in 10 tourist areas including Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, Cha-am and Phang Nga in a move to boost the country's tourism that has been dragged down by the protracted political turmoil.

For the remaining part of the country, the curfew remains in place, but the junta has promised relaxation of the curfew pending the improvement of the political situation.