Thailand's King has broken months of silence about the political turmoil that has rocked the country to make a plea for peace.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, presiding over the swearing-in ceremony for the new government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urged parliamentarians to make peace their priority.

Speaking slowly and hoarsely during the ceremony at Chitralada Palace, the royal residence in Bangkok, the 81-year-old King said: "I want to see peace in the country.

"I hope you will be able to carry out your tasks efficiently and make the country run smoothly," he told MPs, who were dressed in white ceremonial uniforms and standing in formation.

The remarks were the King's first public comments on the unrest that threatened to bring the country to a standstill.

Over the last four months, pro-monarchist protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) took to the streets and blockaded government House in a campaign to purge the government of leaders they claimed were a proxy for the ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

As their bitter campaign reached its height last month, 350,000 tourists were stranded in the country when the militants shut down Bangkok's two main airports.

When Mr Abhisit was voted in as Prime Minister last week, he became the troubled nation's third premier in four months and the first opponent of Mr Thaksin to lead a civilian government in seven years.

The Eton and Oxford educated premier, who has said his priorities were restoring the economy and forging political unity after months of turmoil counts among his supporters the educated elite who drove the recent protests.

The appearance of the king will help ease tension among his subjects, many of whom regard him with quasi religious devotion.

Many Thais had hoped his planned birthday address earlier this month would guide the country out of its political turbulence. When a sore throat forced him to cancel the speech it raised concerns about the state of his health, and his stance on the crisis.

King Bhumibol, who has occupied the throne for six decades, has historically been the country's sole unifying figure in times of crisis. His absence on his birthday was a reminder of how critical he is to Thailand's stability.

Although a constitutional monarch with few real powers, he is regarded as the country's top moral authority, and his occasional interventions in Thai politics, when he has attacked squabbling politicians, have been treated with respect.

Around the country, his subjects gathered around televisions in shops and restaurants to listen to his speech.

"I feel such relief after listening to him speak"; said Malai Chanachai, a 61-year-old retired teacher who stopped at a Bangkok grocery store when she saw him on TV. "It made me feel that the country will move forward and eventually become more peaceful."

The store's owner, Puangtip Poolsuwan, 60, said seeing the king looking somewhat healthier "brought warmth to my heart; but his frailty made it apparent that he's still sick. I truly hope he gets better soon," he said.

The King's remarks may ease tensions but it is unlikely that Mr Thaksin's supporters will listen t his appeals for peace.

They have pledged to rally outside Parliament on Sunday, a day before Mr Abhisit's government presents its policies to legislators.

Times Recommends

• Rio Tinto four held as China prepares case
• Diplomats must keep heads down and trousers up
• When in Rome should one make like Berlusconi?