BANGKOK - THAILAND'S new premier said on Wednesday he hoped thousands of protesters occupying his office would leave before November to save the kingdom embarrassment during a regional summit.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have been camped out at Bangkok's Government House for more than a month.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat urged them to leave ahead of the cremation of the king's sister in mid-November and the December summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which Thailand chairs.

'The People's Alliance for Democracy protesters should leave Government House before the royal cremation and because we have very important functions by the end of this year,' Mr Somchai told reporters.

'I have tried my best to foster a better understanding and not to ruin Thailand's dignity. Other ASEAN leaders may question why the Thai government has no office so please help uphold our national dignity,' he said.

The cabinet has been carrying out its business in an abandoned building at the old Don Mueang airport during the protests.

Mr Somchai became premier last month after his predecessor was forced from office and has tasked deputy prime minister and seasoned politician Chavalit Yongchaiyudh with negotiating with the PAD.

Mr Somchai said he was monitoring those talks but refused to set a deadline for the protesters to leave.

The late Princess Galyani, the only sister of the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died in January this year and the elaborate royal funeral ceremonies will begin on November 14.

The PAD is fighting to bring down the democratically-elected government, which it accuses of being too close to Thaksin Shinawatra, the premier who was ousted in a coup in 2006.

The protestors launched their campaign in May this year and stormed Government House and set up camp there on August 26.

Thailand will host the ASEAN summit from December 15-18. -- AFP