BANGKOK, Oct 5, 2010 (AFP) - The Thai government said Tuesday it was extending a state of emergency in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces for three more months, in the wake of deadly street protests in April and May.

"The cabinet agreed to extend the state of emergency in four provinces, including Bangkok, for another three months starting today," deputy government spokesman Suphachai Jaismut told AFP.

The controversial decree was introduced in the capital in early April in response to mass anti-government rallies by the "Red Shirt" movement that ultimately left 91 people dead in clashes between protesters and the army.