UDD protests outside Government House earlier this month
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As two protesting parties split Thai politics and the government intervenes violently, Gail Phillip, a CMS mission partner in Bangkok, brings us up to date with events
Updated Wed 15 April
BANGKOK, Mon 13 April - On Sunday 12 April, the Thai prime minister declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas after thousands of pro-Thaksin (former Thai prime minister ousted by coup in Sept 2006), red-shirted protestors descended on the city blockading major traffic intersections, disrupting rail services and surrounding government buildings.
The army was ordered out to assist police in restoring order and clearing the streets. Last night gunfire and tear gas were used to disperse a group of protestors from the Victory Monument area.
So far about 64 people have been injured.
There are still large numbers out on the streets despite the emergency decree forbidding gatherings of more than five people.
Last night former prime minister Thaksin broadcast a live message urging more protestors to join the red-shirt UDD (United front for Democracy against Dictatorship). He has said he will return personally to lead if the army uses force.
The situation escalated at the end of last week when the red-shirts began blockading roads, demanding the resignation of the new prime minister, Abhisit, by 4pm on Thursday.
When their demands were not met they caused major disruption in Pattaya, forcing the cancellation of the Asean Summit due to be held there. Leaders of Asean nations had to be helicoptered out as the summit hotel was invaded by protestors.
One of the red-shirt leaders was arrested after the Pattaya incident, causing the protestors to step up their actions and demand his immediate release. Most of the protest has now moved to certain areas of Bangkok but there are red-shirt protests in many parts of Thailand now.
We closed the childcare [centre, of which Gail is principal] on Friday due to the political situation.
This is the official Songkhran (Thai New Year) holiday and we have public holidays from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th this week.
Normally, Thais would be out on the streets, enjoying mass water fights as part of the Songkhran festivities.
This year, all city-organised events have been cancelled and people are advised to stay indoors. It remains to be seen what will happen after the public holiday period.
Pray for Thailand
Please do pray for the situation here. Pray that wisdom, justice and righteousness will prevail. Pray for a willingness to negotiate and find long term solutions for the common good.
Pray for the prime minister, Khun Abhisit, and the government. Pray also for the king who will have a key role to play.
Pray that, by God’s grace, the situation may be resolved peacefully.
Pray for the church to have wisdom in its response and for all of us here as God’s family to be salt and light in these times in whatever ways we can.
Thank you for your prayers. Please be assured I am safe and well and monitoring the situation regularly. These events in Thailand make the Easter message even more powerful and urgent.
May the kingdom of our risen Lord and Christ truly come in Thailand.
UPDATE Wed 15 April
Thank you for your prayers. Things are much calmer now in the city (apart from the normal mad Songkhran water fights, I should say).
Yesterday the leaders of the red-shirt UDD called off the protest and protestors began to disperse from key areas with the govt organising bus transport for them to get home to the provinces.
There are still a few hard-line protestors sticking it out in the Sanam Luang area but nothing like the numbers before. The government has announced that Thursday and Friday are to extra public holidays so we have decided to close the childcare centre as well until Monday. This is to allow time to finally secure the situation and clear up the debris.
There were two civilian deaths after clashes on Monday night between protestors and local residents. Injuries number just over 100. Praise God that the toll has not been worse than this.
Some Thais have been saying that 'an invisible hand' has been at work to resolve the situation. They mean the King's Privy Councillor or other source, but I think clearly another very merciful hand has been at work - thank God for his grace.