Thailand in the News

By now you may have seen Bangkok making headlines.  I wanted to post a simple description of what is going on here. For slightly sensational and up-to-the-minute news, check out Bangkok Post or The Nation.

I wrote a few blog entries last time there was political upheaval here, and you can read them here: 1) Nov 26, 2008; 2) Dec 1, 2008; and 3) Dec 2, 2008.  Since these postings, Thailand has elected another prime minister, Abhisit.

So what exactly is going on?

There are two main parties involved: red and yellow.  Yellow supports the monarchy, and the current prime minister is from the yellow camp.  Red calls for greater democracy, and are supporters of former prime minister Thaksin.  At the end of February this year, Thaksin was brought to trial for corruption charges, and a large portion of his assets were seized.  Reds = not happy.

The current demonstrations are by the reds, and while incited by the trial outcome, they are not the main cause.  Because of corruption charges regarding elections, the reds’ former political party was barred from participating in the last election.  Now, they are calling for a dissolution of Parliament and a fair election.  Demonstrations began somewhat peacefully, but have escalated in violence.  Reliable numbers are hard to find, but estimates are that upwards of 35 people have been killed, including a main red leader.  Red demonstrations are located in a few main areas of Bangkok, but in the last few days have spread to other areas of the city.

The US Embassy sends emails to Americans living in Thailand.  In the past few months the Embassy has issued travel alerts for Thailand, and the most recent reads, “Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.”  While the cause of demonstrations is political and not aimed at foreigners, a few foreign reporters have been caught up in the mess.

PLEASE pray for Thailand!  Pray for peace, for a resolution to the political upheaval, and for people to turn to Christ in this uncertain time.  Please also pray for safety, and for no further loss of life.