News at ABWE

Thailand missionaries unaffected by military coup

On Tuesday night, September 19, there was a military coup in Thailand. With the endorsement of the beloved King Bhumibhol Adulyadej of Thailand, Army Commander General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has dissolved Parliament, suspended the Constitution, and installed an interim government. The Army seems to be firmly in control. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is currently overseas in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and not welcome back in Thailand. Elections are being projected for October 2007 after a new Constitution is drafted. In the meantime, the military plans to transition authority to a “neutral” caretaker Prime Minister.

Wednesday, September 20 was declared a public holiday and all schools, banks, and government departments were closed. A heavy military presence secured the streets with many roads in central Bangkok closed to traffic. The situation appears to be peaceful and quiet with no violence and most people staying at their homes. 

All of our ABWE missionaries are safe. Developments are being monitored and missionaries have been advised to minimize travel until the situation becomes clearer.

Veteran missionaries Don and Gail Craft live and serve several hours northeast of the capital city. Don states, “Gail and I have been in Thailand during many of these type of political crisis over the years and feel safe and that none of us Americans, our Thai co-workers, or fellow Christians will be directly affected by this change of events. We encourage our supporters to pray for peace and safety, and we assure them that we are safe and fine.”

Please pray for:

  1. Wisdom for the ongoing safety of our ABWE Thailand team.
  2. Opportunities amid the political instability for our missionaries and national partners to lead many Thai people to spiritual security by faith in Jesus Christ.
  3. Restoration of peaceful and fair democratic elections in the near future.

For a full news story:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-09-19-thailand_x.htm