BANGKOK, March 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Thai military has said that there is no need to declare a state of emergency under the current situation following a meeting with Defense Minister Gen Thammarak Isarangkura Ayudhaya, local newspaper reported Wednesday.

    Supreme commander Gen Ruangroj Mahasaranont and army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, after their meeting with Thammarak as well as the navy chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont and air force commander ACM Chalit Phukphasuk Tuesday, agreed that judging from the assessment that the anti-Thaksin rally had been well-organized and orderly, they opposed to declaring a state of emergency.

    "Therefore, a state of emergency is not necessary, unless the situation turns violent and private and state properties are set ablaze," Gen Ruangroj was quoted by Bangkok Post as saying.

    The supreme commander noted that on the whole all parties involved have exercised restraint, despite some exchanges of provocative language.

    Army chief Gen Sonthi also saw no justification for a state of emergency, which could only be declared under the existing decree for administration in emergency situations.

    Gen Sonthi said declaration of a state of emergency in order to disperse the demonstration is not a good option because it will damage the country's image.

    He also dismissed a report that some academics had called for the military's intervention to bring the situation back to normal, adding that soldiers would be on standby around-the-clock to cope with any situation.

    On Tuesday, anti-Thaksin coalition staged its fifth large-scalerally with an aim to force Thaksin down from the office. The anti-Thaksin demonstration gained momentum following Thaksin's family sold their 50-percent stake in Shin Corp, the telecoms giant he founded before entering politics, to a Singapore investment company in January. Enditem