Families in Narathiwat enjoy Children's Day events on January 11th, despite rainy conditions. [Ahmad Ramansiriwong/Khabar]

Despite persistent rain, Buddhist and Muslim children across Thailand's Deep South gathered for a fun, peaceful and incident-free Children's Day on January 11th.

One of the main centres of activity was the Narathiwat Provincial Administration Organisation Football Stadium.

Popular activities included a chance to board a helicopter provided by the Royal Thai Army's Narathiwat-based Special Operations Unit, drawing and colouring competitions, singing and other musical activities, and gift giveaways.

Thailand celebrates National Children's Day to give children the chance to have fun and raise awareness about their important role in the country's future. Similar events were staged throughout the nation, also with heightened security in Yala and Pattani.

The day has been a hit with generations of children, giving them the chance to partake in a wide variety of experiences otherwise impossible: from sitting in the governor's chair, to handling an unloaded automatic rifle.

"Even though it has been raining all day and we still have incidents occurring related to the unrest, we had fun and we got a lot of snacks as gifts," said 13-year-old Muslim Esor Marordee from Yi-ngor district.

Esor has been raised in a region plagued by violence.

"I talk to my dad all of the time and he always tells me these incidents of violence make us live in fear. We always have to be careful wherever we go anywhere," he told Khabar Southeast Asia. "So if it is possible, my hope would be for peace. I do not want to see any more people shot and hurt or killed."

Suthirat Ittikul, 12, from Muang district, told Khabar the daily protests in Bangkok and elsewhere were his main concern.

"The thing I would like most is for the adults in our country to stop fighting with one another. Every day when I turn on the television all I see are mobs," he said. "I asked my father why our country has so many mobs and political problems. He told me he wanted 'reform'. I was confused and asked him why we can't we all just live in harmony and develop the country."