Thousands have gathered across the Thai capital to pray for peace a week after arson and looting broke out following a deadly military crackdown on anti-government 'Red Shirts'.
Ceremonies were led by 1,000 Buddhist monks at spots around the upscale shopping district that was occupied for several weeks by the protesters, whose rally descended into outbreaks of violence, leaving 88 people dead.
Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs also participated in the prayers, which began early in the morning and were presided over by Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
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"Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has initiated the ceremony to help the recovery of those affected by the riots," said Sukhumbhand in a statement.
He said the event was part of a larger campaign "to improve Bangkok's image as one of the world's greatest cities".
Arrest warrant for ex-PM
"This merit-making is part of the campaign to boost the morale of residents who are religious at their core, to forget the past and to start a new, united Thai society," Sukhumbhand added.
One of the ceremonies took place in the shadow of Central World, Thailand's largest shopping mall until it was gutted in last Wednesday's mayhem - one of 36 major buildings set ablaze by militant protesters.
Employees from the mall wearing "I love CW" T-shirts lay flowers by the ruined structure in the city centre and joined other Bangkok residents offering alms to the monks.
While Bangkok has tried to get back to business this week, authorities on Tuesday extended a midnight-to-4am curfew in Bangkok and 23 provinces for four more nights as the government seeks to restore order in the capital.
The Red Shirts, many of whose leaders have been arrested and are in police custody, were campaigning for elections to oust Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government, which they say is elitist and undemocratic.
A Thai court on Tuesday approved an arrest warrant for fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra on terrorism charges, which carry a maximum penalty of death, in connection with recent violent protests.
Abhisit's government has accused Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, of inciting unrest and bankrolling the mass rallies by the Red Shirts, many of whom seek the return of the former telecoms tycoon.
