Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has revoked the severe state of emergency imposed in Bangkok last week to deal with the ongoing anti-government protests.

The revocation, which was published in the Royal Gazette, took effect from noon on Thursday. Related orders have also been lifted.

Prayut declared the state of emergency on October 15 claiming the anti-government protests were threatening national security and public order.

The state of emergency banned public gathering of more than four people and gave authorities absolute power in dealing with the protesters.

Its revocation came a day after the prime minister said he would end the state of emergency decree if there was no more violence.  In his national address Wednesday night, Prayut called on all sides to take a step back and to allow Parliament to debate a way out for the current political crisis.