Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim today appealed to all parties and groups in southern Thailand to participate in the peace process initiated by the new Thai government.

He asked these groups - mainly Thai Muslims - to respond positively to the fresh peace drive and negotiate to bring a closure to the bloody conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.

"The time for factionalism has passed," said Anwar, who is now the Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor, in a statement.

"We must pursue a peace process that is inclusive and engages fairly with all sides."

"We must resist parochialism and stand united against those whose words and actions seek to drive a wedge between countrymen and undermine a peaceful dialogue," he added.

The peace talks initiative between the Muslim insurgents and the Thai government was kick-started by secret talks brokered by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The move gained momentum following the Sept 19 bloodless coup in Thailand which was led by Muslim general Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.

Earlier this week, the military-appointed Prime Minister Surayad Chulanot, in a visit to the restive southern provinces, apologised for the excesses of the former government.

The new military-installed government has pledged to make peace in the south a priority, and reverse the hardline policies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Continuing violence

However despite the ongoing peace initiatives, violence continues to plague the region - in the past two days at least seven people have been killed.

And as of today, more than 600 schools in this region remained closed amid escalating violence against teachers and educational institutions.

Anwar hoped that both the Thai authorities and all the affected groups in the south will work together to end this violence.

"The change in the Thai government must be appreciated as providing a new window of opportunity to achieve a lasting and just peace for the betterment of the local population and for the stability and prosperity of the Asean region," he said.

He also warned that the peace process should focus on achieving justice and overcoming the historic marginalization of the people of this region.

"This can be achieved through a new political arrangement and an improvement the socio-economic conditions of the region," he suggested.