In Bangkok, thousands pray for peace

(May 27,2010) In Thailand, thousands of Bangkok residents gathered at dawn on Wed. to take part in inter-faith prayers for peace and reconciliation, organised in at least 10 locations across the capital. The voices of more than a thousand Buddhist monks, blended with the litanies of Christian clergymen, Muslim imams and leaders of Hinduism.
In the past few weeks, Bangkok city of 15 million people, has been the scene of demonstrations by red shirt protesters, which has left 83 people dead and more than 1,900 injured. Analysts say that without major reforms to a political system, that protesters claim favours an "establishment elite" over rural masses, calls for reconciliation will not end the crisis. In the last few days, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reiterated his plan for reconciliation, including political reforms and greater social justice. However, nine weeks of protests, the worst in the country’s recent history, have left their mark.
Buddhist leaders turned to AsiaNews to give their appeal for peace a broader audience.Phra Phaisarn Visalo, a monk from the Erawan temple said, “Dharma can end the violence based on social justice.” This can be done if people are invited to share resources and help the poor, but peace will take time, he added.