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"After his arrest he called us," said Suriyasai Katasila, another PAD core member.

"He said there was no need to negotiate with the government now. He said the talks are no longer necessary and all protesters must remain within Government House."

Political observers also warned that Thai politics is likely to become more destabilising following the arrest of Chamlong, who was detained after casting his vote in the Bangkok gubernatorial election in Dusit district.

Somkiat Pongpaiboon, another PAD's leader, meanwhile called for more anti-government protesters nationwide to rally in Bangkok and a march to Don Muang to ask for fair treatment for Chamlong and Chaiwat Sinsuwong.

Chaiwat was arrested last week on the same charge.

Totally, nine PAD's leaders including Chamlong, Sondhi Limthongkul and Chaiwat have faced treason charges after they led anti-government protesters to take over the Government House. Now Sondhi serves as the ultimate leader of the PAD.

The latest developments have complicated efforts to strike a reconciliation deal between the government and the PAD. Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the deputy prime minister, was on the verge of reaching a truce with the PAD when his negotiation was torpedoed by Chaiwat's arrest.

Kraisak Choonhavan, a PAD's sympathiser, said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat must bear the responsibility or explain to the society over the arrest of the PAD's leaders, who are appealing the court over their arrest warrants.