To vote, or not to vote?

Following much uncertainty over the past few weeks, it looks like the Thai national elections scheduled for Sunday (February 2nd) will take place. People in our area of Chiang Mai will be casting their votes under a tent in a clearing just down the road from the Bible School. There's not much doubt over who our neighbours will vote for - we live in one of the most fervently 'Red Shirt' (pro-government) areas in the country.

Our local polling station - all quiet this morning

Nationally, the picture is much less clear. Protests against this election are ongoing in Bangkok, where violent clashes are feared on Sunday. The leaders of the vocal and well-funded street campaign are urging Thais not to participate in this election, which has also been boycotted by the main opposition party. Clashes between these protesters and pro-government supporters have turned bloody over recent weeks, and emotions are set to run even higher over the next 48 hours.

Even after the election process has finished, the official results may not be released for months. Procedural delays caused by the protesters in Bangkok and southern Thailand mean that there are no registered candidates in some districts. In these places, the election will need to be re-scheduled for a later date. In other places, there may not be enough votes cast to validate the poll. Some observers are predicting that it may be several months before a new government can be formed.

In Thailand, elections are generally held on a Sunday - and the polls will be open from 8am until 3pm. Most of our Christian friends go to vote on their way to or from church. Difficult decisions lie ahead for everyone.

Please pray for Thailand over this weekend and beyond.