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The explosion occurred at 3.25am just 50 metres from the right side of the stage where leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) address demonstrators.

It was the fifth explosion around the PAD rally site since October 30 when the largest blast seriously injured two people at the Makkhawan Bridge.

A second explosion took place at Orathai Bridge on November 4 with no injuries; and a third bomb detonated inside the Government House compound last Saturday, seriously wounding a guard. The fourth, in front of Rajvinit School, left no casualties.

Yesterday's explosive device fell onto a tent, blowing a one-metre-wide hole in the tent roof and another in the wooden floor. It caused panic among protesters, but their leaders quickly restored order.

General Pathompong Kesornsuk, a PAD supporter, said he believed the device was an M29 projectile fired from outside. Pathompong said he would inform the Army chief General Anupong Paochinda about the incident so the military could beef up security for protesters.

PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang agreed the bomb had been fired from outside the compound and could have been from an M79 grenade launcher.

However, Police Major General Suporn Phansua, deputy chief of metropolitan police bureau and police spokesman, said the bomb was more likely to have come from inside the compound. He believed it was not either an M29 or M79. M79 would have been more devastating.

PAD did not allow police inside the compound and said it will hold its own investigation. However, six forensic police officers were allowed to collect evidence in the late afternoon.

Chuan Leekpai, the Democrat Party's chief adviser, said the government has to be cautious in its approach to violence such as this, particularly with bomb attacks.

"The government can't choose which side it supports. It is the government's duty to secure our society, otherwise daily bombings like this could lead to a crisis," he said. The responsibility was not the military's and its help should not be sought.

Also yesterday, two PAD supporters Kasemmanee Ketkaew from Phayao, and Kloy Thinklathok from Nakhon Ratchasima, were married in a simple traditional ceremony behind the main stage of the PAD, attended by other protesters.

Somsak Kosaisuk, a PAD co-leader, wished the two a happy marriage and hoped they would share their love for their country. The couple said they fell in love at the PAD rally site several months ago.