PM asks Muslims to help stop violence in Thai far South

BANGKOK, March 10 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has called on Muslims to help stop violent unrest in the Thai far South before Thailand's entry to the ASEAN Community (AC) by the end of this year. Prime Minister General Prayut made the call while presiding over a ceremony to conclude the Central Maulid Celebration at the National Islamic Administration Center in Bangkok's Nong Chok District on Monday, in which Thai Muslim spiritual leader Aziz Phitakkhumpol and central Islamic councilors also participated. The Central Maulid Celebration was set from March 7-9, 2015, organized to honour the birthday of Islamic prophet Muhammad. On the occasion, the prime minister also presented an award to a winner in a Quran recital competition who will later join an international Quran recital contest in Malaysia. The prime minister stressed that the Thai government supports all religions, asking Muslims to help solve problems in the Thai deep South and expressing his hope that violent unrest in the southernmost Thai region should be addressed within this year, before Thailand's participation in AC to enhance national competitiveness. Besides, the Thai prime minister promised to support halal food production to serve the world market. (TNA)