BANGKOK, Nov 27, 2008 (AFP) - Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport, which has been occupied by anti-government protesters, will remain closed until at least 6 pm (1100 GMT) Saturday, the airport authority said Thursday.

"Protesters are still rallying in front of the terminal for the third consecutive day with no sign of dispersing, therefore the authority has to prolong the closure," an Airports of Thailand (AOT) statement said.

The authority said that Bangkok's old Don Mueang airport, which handles some domestic services, will stay closed until at least Friday. Demonstrators blockaded Don Mueang on Thursday morning.

"Passengers should not travel to either airport until they resume operations," the statement added.