Thai protesters target "hearts and minds" of Bangkok

The demonstrators remained on the streets in Bangkok's historic heart, dancing to live folk music, listening to fiery speeches decrying the military's intervention in politics and planning Saturday's city-wide recruitment march.

Investors remain convinced there is no immediate danger to the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, backed by the majority in parliament. They have poured 35.3 billion baht (718.85 million pounds) into Thailand's stock market in the last month.

The bourse was up 2 percent at a 20-month high on Friday, returning to positive territory after a day of profit-taking on Thursday snapped a six-day run of gains.

The "red-shirt" protesters plan to fan out across the city of 15 million people on motorcycles and pickup trucks on Saturday, handing out leaflets and calling on urban sympathisers to join their push to oust the government.

"We are asking Bangkok people to join our non-violent movement if they hate double standards and hypocrisy," said Weng Tojirakarn, a protest leader, adding that the group's street campaign will continue for at least another two weeks.

"I hope we have shown Bangkok that we are not seeking trouble and we hope people will join us if they hate minority rule."

Analysts said it would be a tough task.

"There is no case so far for the protest to gain mass support to overthrow the Abhisit government," Citigroup analyst Suchart Techaposai said in a research note.

But that is what the protest leaders are trying to change.