SINGAPORE, Nov 24, Reuters - Martial law in Thailand could be lifted before the end of the year, coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin told CNN television.

Sonthi, who led a military coup that overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Sept. 19, said in an interview aired on Friday that he wanted a return to normalcy as soon as possible.

Pressed repeatedly for a timetable, Sonthi said "when possible", "soon" and finally "yes" when asked if martial law would be lifted before the end of the year.

Martial law has not been enforced in any visible way, but coup leaders have previously said it was necessary because of "undercurrents" stirred by supporters of the ousted Thaksin.

Thailand's military took over in a bloodless coup after accusing Thaksin's administration of rampant corruption and abuse of the law.

The country is now ruled by a military-appointed government headed by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

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