Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has lifted a two-week-old state of emergency in and around the country's capital, Bangkok.

The rules were put in place when violent anti-government protests forced the cancellation of a major regional summit in the south of the country.

Two people died and more than 100 were injured in clashes two weeks ago, which brought the capital to a standstill.

The red-shirted protesters were calling for Mr Abhisit to stand down.

Large numbers of protestors had defied the state of emergency, blocking roads, disrupting traffic and clashing with police and local residents.

Speaking at a special parliamentary session early on Friday, Mr Abhisit said: "Today, the government will lift the emergency decree in Bangkok and surrounding areas."

He said doing so was "part of measures to find a solution for the country" and to help find reconciliation between the yellow-shirted pro-government supporters and their red-shirted rivals.

"The government wants to show its sincerity, that the government wants reconciliation and to make the country move forwards," said Mr Abhisit.

"The government wants reconciliation and to make the country move forwards" so Abhisit Vejjajiva.