Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday agreed to meet anti-government leaders in an effort to end the political deadlock.

Speaking while on the campaign trail in Khon Kaen, Thaksin insisted resignation was not the way out and all parties would have to take part in solving the problems. "We cannot let the country hang in a dark cloud for a long time," he said.

People's Alliance for Democracy leaders including Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang challenged Thaksin to debate with them on a stage at Sanam Luang in a live broadcast.

Asked if he was ready to face Sondhi, Thaksin said "yes, I do not see anything wrong in that. Just tell me,'' he said.

He also brushed aside the move by minor royals and academics to replace him with a royally appointed PM, saying everyone was entitled to do anything that was not illegal. They petitioned His Majesty the King on Sunday.

Asked what would happen if the rallies continued for a month, Thaksin said there was no problem as long as they were peaceful and did not damage public property or inflict harm.

"But how long will the rallies go on? If they say till I resign, that is not the answer to the solution because that is the destruction of democracy and will set a bad precedent. Next time when they are not satisfied with the PM, then they will do the same thing,'' he said.

Thaksin and his son Panthongtae were greeted with flowers and support from traders and locals when they walked through the market in Khon Kaen's Muang district. Thaksin told close aides his Thai Rak Thai Party still enjoyed strong popularity according to a 50-page poll result.

"This poll was carried out academically,'' Thaksin added.

After visiting locals in Suphan Buri, Thaksin met Chat Thai Party secretary-general Prapat Phota-suthon at his home. He has been trying to have a meeting with opposition leaders.