April 13, 2009
Alliance missionaries are safe after a state of emergency was declared in Bangkok and surrounding provinces following anti-government protests. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva narrowly escaped injury when his car was attacked. A government building was set ablaze, and hundreds of protestors took to the streets.
According to Times Online, Thai soldiers in full combat kit used tear gas and fired automatic weapons to clear the red-shirted protesters from a major intersection near the Victory Monument in central Bangkok. At least 70 people were hurt.
The protesters support the ousted former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. They are demanding the dissolution of the current government and new elections.
Pray that God will protect the Thai church during this political unrest and for wisdom for His people in these uncertain times.