Some 3,000 peace-loving Muslims took part in a lamat prayer service December 5th – the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej – praying to Allah to restore peace and unity to the nation as anti-government protests roiled many parts of the country.

The service at the Narathiwat Central Mosque in Muang district was led by Southern Border Provinces Islamic Confederation chairman Abdulrohman Abdulsormad, Narathiwat Provincial Council chairman Sorfee-in Johloh and Nachamudin Uma, secretary of the Wadah political faction popular in parts of the Deep South.

The mass-prayer session came amid anti-government protests in many provinces, though all parties agreed to a short truce to honour the King's birthday, which is a national holiday.

Following the service, the three leaders handed a statement to Narathiwat Governor Nattapong Sirichaichana on behalf of Thai Muslims in the southern border region, affirming their support for the currently elected government and Thailand's democratic system with a monarch as head of state.

As the government was popularly elected it should continue working to restore unity to the region and entire country, the letter read.

"Thai Muslims in three southern border provinces support the constitution and the democratically elected government," said Adul Areeahmad, chairman of the committee that oversees affairs at the Pathan Mosque in Narathiwat.

"The best way forward is non-violent, to open a dialogue and put an end to the mob action that, as we are seeing now, can lead to violent clashes," he said. "The government has already signalled its readiness to negotiate a solution. We all need to work together to find a way out for Thailand that doesn't needlessly turn people into victims of violence."

Three days earlier, in neighbouring Yala, more than 2,000 Thai Muslims took part in a similar ceremony at Yala Central Mosque to pray for an end to political violence.

The event was led by Yala Provincial Islamic Council Chairman Isma-air Hari. Among those taking part were members of local religious, academic, civil society and youth groups.

All prayed in unison for Allah's supreme compassion in restoring peace quickly after recent political conflicts.

"All our Thai Muslim brothers and sisters have come here to pray to Allah for peace, not just in one area or location, but all over the world. As for the incidents related to all the recent domestic political discord, we hope peace returns as quickly as possible," Yala Central Mosque Spokesman Hasan Patyabutr said on behalf of all religious leaders present.

"Speaking in my role as a local religious leader, we are coming together to take part in asking Allah to restore peace to Thailand. I believe this is a matter with spiritual and religious components. What I would like to stress most is the need for both sides to come together and enter discussions," he said.

"Any changes to our political system should be based on the law and constitution and the democratic process though ratification by the Parliament and Senate."