Soldiers at the Skytrain station. 
As many of you know, the Prime Minister declared a state of emergency for several areas of Thiland, including Bangkok, today. There are some tanks in the street, but most people see no difference in their daily activities at this point.
At its simplest, a group loyal to the deposed former prime minister are pressuring the current prime minister to step down and call for snap elections here. They are convinced (probably for good reason) that in an election, the former prime minister's party would win, paving the way to bring the former PM back from exile to resume leadership of the country.
This weekend, Thailand was hosting a summit of leaders from around Asia. The protesters succeeded in disrupting the summit to the point that the summit was cancelled and everyone went back to their country. There are now questions about whether the current prime minister has the ability to bring stability to the country. A lot of turmoil, once again.
I continue to feel very safe. As long as you avoid a handful of locations around town, you would not know anything was happening. We did get close to the action in one sense last Thursday. The protesters at one point planned to march on the prime minister's home. Until that day, I had not known he lives about a block and a half from where I work, on the same street. That day, the street was packed with police vehicles and officers were everywhere. The protesters, though, changed their plans, so nothing came of it all.
One thing I want to communicate is how miserable this makes the average Thai. They know that this makes their country look bad internationally, and all Thais are intensely proud of their country. A relative handful of people on both political extremes have caused this continued violence. Probably close to 90% of the people here just want things settled one way or another and for the political fighting to stop.
Please pray for peace and stability for Thailand.
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At its simplest, a group loyal to the deposed former prime minister are pressuring the current prime minister to step down and call for snap elections here. They are convinced (probably for good reason) that in an election, the former prime minister's party would win, paving the way to bring the former PM back from exile to resume leadership of the country.
This weekend, Thailand was hosting a summit of leaders from around Asia. The protesters succeeded in disrupting the summit to the point that the summit was cancelled and everyone went back to their country. There are now questions about whether the current prime minister has the ability to bring stability to the country. A lot of turmoil, once again.
I continue to feel very safe. As long as you avoid a handful of locations around town, you would not know anything was happening. We did get close to the action in one sense last Thursday. The protesters at one point planned to march on the prime minister's home. Until that day, I had not known he lives about a block and a half from where I work, on the same street. That day, the street was packed with police vehicles and officers were everywhere. The protesters, though, changed their plans, so nothing came of it all.
One thing I want to communicate is how miserable this makes the average Thai. They know that this makes their country look bad internationally, and all Thais are intensely proud of their country. A relative handful of people on both political extremes have caused this continued violence. Probably close to 90% of the people here just want things settled one way or another and for the political fighting to stop.
Please pray for peace and stability for Thailand.
#####
We had a wonderful Easter at Immanuel Baptist. I can't believe it, but I forgot my camera this morning. A friend is sending some photos for me to add to this entry later. Saturday night, all the orphans from Baan Imjai, the orphange I visited in Chiang Mai last Fall, showed up to share Easter with us. Forty one children made the eight hour trip. They sang for us today and it was very cool. I hope to have more photos up soon.
My friends on the slum team left today for Nakornsawan, where they will be leading a youth camp the next three days. I am heartbroken at not being able to join them, but my doctor does not want me taking that long of a car ride so soon after surgery. I am, however, continuing to feel fine. Thanks, I am sure, to your prayers, I have had zero pain since waking up after surgery. My surgeon is amazed at my quick and painless recovery.
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