Martial law over the country would still last for some time until political tension cools down, Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said after the first cabinet meeting yesterday.

"We (the government) do care about the rights and freedom of our people. But we have to wait until the (political) tension eases. When the right time comes, we'll consider lifting it as soon as possible," Surayud was by Thai News Agency as saying.

Speaking with the media following the first meeting of his cabinet, the prime minister said the cabinet agreed that as the martial law imposed since the Sept. 19 coup had become an issue of interest and concern to many sides, the cabinet had accordingly resolved that it will consult with the military authority Council for National Security (CNS), previously known as the Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) that staged the coup, on moving to lift the law.

The first cabinet meeting, the prime minister said, also considered other urgent issues, including the outline of basic government policy and efforts to resolve the floods, the most urgent crisis that has affected many provinces of the kingdom. The other two urgent problems: flood relief, national unity and violence in the deep south.

Surayud said he told cabinet members to perform their duties under the guidelines of transparency, efficiency and economy.

Minister to the PM's office Thirapat Serirangsan said the government also planned to publish a white paper for the international community, explaining the political situation, in an attempt to restore the national image. It was in response to the King's concern of the negative perception about Thailand among foreigners after Sept. 19 coup, which the monarch expressed when addressing the new cabinet members in a swear-in ceremony on Monday.