Protests in Bangkok

Hello to everyone in the states. If you've been watching CNN, you've no doubt seen some disturbing pictures and videos as well as heard disturbing reports. First, I want to assure you that I am okay. Second, I would like to ask for your prayers. Tensions are definitely rising here and honestly everyone is stuck. In the eyes of other countries, anything the Thai government does is bad. If the military steps in and restores complete order through whatever force is necessary, they will look like a harsh military and similar to a dicatorship. If they allow things to continue, it will probably end in a coup which means Thailand will have had 2 coups in 2 years and cause many people to question Thailand's government's control over the people.

I think the PAD is stepping on going too far, and some wonder what they're actually fighting for. They want to change the current way of government. Due to vote buying, there really isn't a democracy in Thailand because all of the politicians are VERY rich. They are millionares by American standards. There are so many people outside of Bangkok who will take a little money and vote for whoever gave them the money for there to be actual democracy. Yet, the PAD wants a partial democracy. I don't think this sort of power in anyone's hands is a good move. There are no checks and balances in Thailand as there are in America, so that means a politician can remain in power as long as his money lasts, which for many of these people could be the rest of their lives and their sons lives. The PAD will not rest until there is a new form of government that controls those who are in office by having them appointed, not elected. Well, not all of them elected.

The military is trying to stay out of it and promises there will not be a coup. The government is currently running around saying they'll meet in one place and then changing the location so they are making the PAD run around to different places, when in reality the government is not meeting there. There have been some bombs and some gunfire, which is why I'm asking for your prayers. While I don't feel any of the tension in my life and life is pretty much continuing as normal, it's obvious things are getting more tense. Do I think it will interfere with my life or if I'm in danger? No. I simply stay away from the problem areas and Arm makes sure I don't do anything crazy. haha. Yet, we are in the middle of a major power struggle and the Thai way (so they don't lose face) is to dig their heels in and not give up. So, we could be at a standoff for some time because no one wants to give up and lose face.

Please pray for this situation. I will be talking with some of my Thai friends again to find out what their opinion is about all of this, but for the most part the Thais as a whole are sick of it. Many feel the PAD is making Thailand look bad and they should stop, but they don't like the government either. Ah, life in another country.