The head of the World Council of Churches (WCC) expressed his "deep sorrow" at the continuing violence in Thailand and urged that peaceful solutions to the crisis be found.

"We are greatly concerned that certain groups have sought to utilize violence as a means of achieving their political goals. We are alarmed at the use of deadly weapons by individuals and government during the course of this conflict," said the Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, in a statement released on Wednesday.

"We urge the leaders of all parties to remember the pain and suffering that the people of Thailand have experienced in the past as a result of such violence manifesting itself in civil conflicts. Violence cannot be the solution," he continued. "Therefore, we strongly urge a return to negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis, a process that can still hold out hopes for a resolution to the present situation in spite of the recent obstacles to dialogue."

Tveit's remarks come after a week's worth of violence in the country between red shirt protestors and the government left over 30 people dead and hundreds injured.

Red shirt leaders surrendered to the government on Wednesday after more riots broke out leaving town hall buildings burned and five people dead.

A country-wide overnight curfew has been imposed by the government in an effort to further crack down on the violence.

"I take this opportunity to express the firm solidarity of the World Council of Churches with the people of Thailand in this time of distress," Tveit said. "I commend the Church of Christ in Thailand for their faithful witness to the Prince of Peace during this time of conflict and wish to encourage them to strengthen their work in seeking justice and peace for all."

The WCC head also urged Thai Christians to pray for peace until negotiations are settled.

"We pray that God's spirit of peace will empower Christians and all people as they seek together a peaceful solution to the present violence," Tveit said. "We pray for the Spirit of reconciliation to reside in the hearts of all peoples of Thailand so that they can work together to establish a just society in which all, regardless of political allegiance, share the right to enjoy the gift of life in all its fullness."

"We pray that the Spirit of righteousness will guide the political leaders so that they may seek a long term resolution that adequately addresses the concerns of the people and contributes to the building up of a strong, stable and united society working together for the common good," he added.

"As we journey together may the peace of God guard our hearts and minds; and may the God of peace give us peace at all times and in every way."