(VOVworld) - The martial law now in effect in Thailand is still necessary for security reasons, a deputy prime minister said Thursday after a high-ranking US official called for it to be lifted.

Thai troops are checking security at  the outskirts of Bangkok on May 21, 2014. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Wissanu Krea-ngam said the Thai government continues to monitor the situation and that martial law is having only a minimal effect on the public.

He noted that the clamp-down in Thailand does not reflect a severe domestic crisis as reported abroad and said the international community will understand the necessity of enforcing the law.

Wissanu made these remarks in response to a speech that US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel made at a Bangkok university Monday. In his speech, Russel called for ending martial law throughout the country and removing restrictions on speech and assembly.