Thailand''s cabinet on Friday agreed to extend emergency rule in the Muslim-majority south, with the prime minister promising that the divisive law would not last forever, reports AFP.

After a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said the state of emergency would be extended for three more months starting April 20 in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces, where a separatist insurgency is raging.

"We endorsed the extension of emergency rule, which has been extended 10 times ... this extension would make the rule in place for a total time of 33 months," Samak told reporters after the meeting.

"The emergency rule will not continue forever because the situation is improving, but as of now we really need it," he said.

Emergency rule provides security forces broad immunity from prosecution, while giving them sweeping powers of search and seizure. It also allows suspects to be detained for up to 30 days without charge.