PAD to appeal the injunction for eviction

Surachai said protesters would continue to rally at the seat of government pending the appellate review.

He said the crowds had surged on Wednesday's night to air their sympathies for nine PAD leaders facing arrest warrants on harsh charges, including treason.

He also claimed that after three-day protests, Government House was no longer in a suitable condition to host a ceremony on national unity on Saturday as planned by the government. There was no way to restore the grounds in time for the ceremony presided by HRH the Crown Prince, he said.

On Wednesday night, the Civil Court ordered for all street protesters to get out of Government House.

Loiluan Boonnag, deputy secretary to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, sent a legal representative to petition the court on Wednesday afternoon to order protesters out of Government House.

He said PAD leaders were obstructing government work, including the weekly Cabinet meeting.

The six leaders named in the lawsuit included Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of the group, and media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul.

The government also asked the court to issue temporary protection to civil servants at Government House so they can resume their work and the Cabinet can meet and hold a function to honour the King and Queen on August 30.

The plaintiff cited numerous acts committed by PAD protesters - trespassing and occupying government House, trespassing at staterun NBT TV station, vandalising the channel, while some protesters carried weapons.

Intrusions into the Finance Ministry, Transport Ministry and Agricultural Ministry were also cited.

PAD lawyer Suwat Abhaiwong opposed the lawsuit, saying that under Article 63 of the Constitution, citizens had a right to peaceful and unarmed protest.