However, the anti-government protests have continued, and following a break for New Year, a major event in Bangkok is planned for tomorrow, Monday January 13th. Protest leaders have dubbed the event the 'Bangkok Shutdown', and they will be attempting to close down the centre of Bangkok, putting pressure on the caretaker government to postpone the elections.
While the protests have been largely peaceful so far, there have been sporadic outbreaks of violence, and at least 8 people have died since the end of November. Early on Saturday morning, unidentified gunmen shot and injured six protesters at one of the key rally sites in Bangkok.
Coup rumours have been circulating for some time, but while an army take-over might calm the situation temporarily, pro-government protesters may then take to the streets. The roots of the current tension run deep, with some people fearing an increasing division between the pro-government north and north-east, and the anti-government groups which are strongest in Bangkok and the South.
So far, the protests have been largely limited to Bangkok, but today other protests will be taking place across the country. There are two rallies, one anti-government and one pro-government, planned in Chiang Mai this afternoon (Sunday). We have been warned to avoid the rally sites.
Please pray for:
- A peaceful resolution to the current stalemate
- Cool heads to prevail in the tense atmosphere of street protests
- The Thai police and security forces as they attempt to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters tonight and tomorrow
- Thai Christians to play a key role in leading dialogue and reconciliation initiatives
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