BANGKOK - THE leader of Thai anti-government protesters camped out at the government compound in Bangkok urged his supporters to stay put Tuesday, in defiance of a ban on gatherings of more than five people.

Media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, one of the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, addressed a crowd of 5,000 squatting for a eighth day at the offices of embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

'You don't have to be afraid of the state of emergency,' Mr Sondhi said, urging them to stay.

The Government House grounds have been occupied for a week by activists who want Mr Samak to quit, claiming he is merely a puppet for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. -- AFP