- Title: THAILAND: Government holds prayer for peace and good fortune
- Date: 11th June 2010
- Summary: VARIOUS OF SIKH PRIESTS PLAYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
- Embargoed: 26th June 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Thailand
- Country: Thailand
- Topics: Domestic Politics,Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA2YK2307AHWH4PPOYA563LTW1T
- Story Text: Thailand's government prayed for peace and unity at the Government House on Thursday (June 10), almost a month after deadly clashes between troops and anti-government protesters.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his wife Pimpen led a ritual including five religions -- Bhraminism, Buddhism, Muslim, Christianity and Sikhism -- praying for the country's good fortune.
Ministers and their spouses, government officials and high ranking military officers attended the service which also commemorated the dozens killed in the bloody clashes between soldiers and protesters in central Bangkok in May.
The ceremony was meant to boost the public's morale as the country recovers from the disturbing events.
"Because people are influenced by religion, I think the merit-making ritual will help them think of peace and reconciliation, in light of religious precepts. This will help the country return to peace," said Sathit Wongnongtoey, a minister in the prime minister's office.
Dozens of yellow-robed Buddhist monks chanted beside Christian, Muslim and Sikh leaders, who also conducted prayers to bless the riot-torn city of 15 million people.
Predominantly Buddhist Thailand continues to grapple with widening social and political rifts that have spiralled dangerously into the open in the past five years.
After nine weeks of the worst political violence in modern Thai history, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has embraced a reconciliation plan of political reforms, social justice and an investigation into clashes that killed 85 people and wounded nearly 2,000, mostly in fighting between protesters and troops.
Abhisit said on Sunday (June 6) a state of emergency would remain in place despite reduced unrest but that an election was possible early next year. The decree gives the army sweeping powers, allowing authorities to suspend certain civil liberties, ban public gatherings of more than five people and stop media from reporting news that "causes panic".
Emergency measures were imposed in Bangkok since April 7 and expanded to 23 provinces as the crisis deepened, with "red shirt" protests descending into bloody clashes with troops and arson attacks. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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