Thai PM holes up at home as emergency rule is flouted

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BANGKOK, Sept 6 (AFP) Thailand's embattled Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej holed up at his heavily-guarded home Saturday as protesters vowed to continue defying emergency rule and hold marches demanding he step down.brAbout 150 riot police surrounded the 73-year-old premier's home, where a government spokesman said Samak is resting, as a state of emergency across the capital continued through a fifth day.brThe prime minister has no official functions today. He is resting at home, Wichianchot Sukchotrat said.brSamak declared emergency rule across Bangkok Tuesday following violent street clashes between his supporters and anti-government protesters, who have occupied the main government complex since August 26 calling for him to resign.brEmergency rule, which prohibits gatherings of more than five people, continues to be flouted. Two university students were shot Friday night by unidentified gunmen as they marched towards Samak's home, and about 5,000 people remain at the capital's protest camp. University students also planned to hold marches Saturday afternoon.brThe military has not supported the emergency law, and Samak signalled his frustration Friday at his increasing isolation.