US urges Thai rulers to lift martial law in 10 days

"A year seems like a very long time," said a US embassy official in Bangkok, speaking on condition of anonymity. The diplomat added that "if martial law is not lifted in a week to 10 days, that would be a problem."

The junta that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19 installed retired General Surayud Chulanont last weekend as interim prime minister until polls they have promised for October 2007.

The generals had initially pledged to make way for a civilian government, but their new constitution maintains military influence over the new premier, and restrictions on political activity and the media remain in place.

The White House had called Tuesday for "a quick return" to democracy in Thailand and warned its new military leaders that Washington was weighing action beyond US sanctions imposed last week.