Burmese migrant workers in southern Thailand gathered for a prayer meeting in Ban Niang monastery, in Takuapa district, on October 4^th. The people assembled at the meeting prayed for the souls of the patriotic heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Burmese military regime's recent crackdown on peaceful protest, a crisis that swept through major cities in Burma last month. The migrant workers and NGO staff at the meeting also prayed for the country's immediate deliverance from cruel despotism.

Five Thai and Burmese monks led the intercessory prayer for the repose of all the departed souls of monks and laities who died in the SPDC's slaughter of peaceful protesters late last month. These protesters demanded that the government deal with the general destitution caused by sharp increases in fuel prices and the prices of basic commodities.

At this week’s ceremony, Monks and participants prayed together for global peace and salvation from all kinds of violence and endangerment facing any and all beings in the universe.

It is hard to know the exact number of deaths and disappearances during the recent crisis in Burma because the junta has most likely been killing people in secret.

There were posters and slide show presentations showing the SPDC's ruthless butchery of monks, nuns, children, foreign journalist, and lay people. Documentary video clips of the crack down on peaceful demonstrations were also presented with an overhead projector.

The ceremony was facilitated by Grassroots-HRE staff and about 200 migrant workers and children attended. The ceremony concluded at 4 PM with a small tea party.