An Inside Kiwi Perspective Behind the Thai Protests

A world watched in astonishment as Thai style political protest played out on television screens.  Hundreds of thousands of tourists were stranded and out of pocket as The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) purposed to topple a supposedly democratically elected government through the takeover of major facilities.

With the country brought to its knees, the election commission responded, banning the prime minister and other key ministers from politics for five years. The PAD duly left the airports, clearing the airways and creating some temporary breathing room.

WEC church planters Alan and Rosina describe the aftermath, “The local people who were embroiled in the chaos are still feeling choked by it all.  Many households we know are in bitter dispute as spouses, even children strongly favour one side over the other. Worse still, domestic violence and wholesale crime have escalated as a result. Many businesses have closed or laid-off staff, as unemployment rates soar.”

“Politically the parties are left with few capable experienced politicians from which to choose a third prime minister and cabinet in less than six months. Economically the siege has pushed the country into a tailspin as the tourism industry has collapsed.”

“There is a genuine fear that violence will break out again.  Thai locals continue their entrapment in years of political strife and corruption, and in the turmoil even newspapers have forgotten the years of militant Islamic violence and unrest which continues in the south of Thailand.”

“However, God is most definitely at work!” continued Alan.  “In the midst of the turmoil people are seeking hope and peace. We must pray for this nation, for while local temples have had an upsurge of pilgrims seeking solutions, many others are looking for truth elsewhere. There is definitely a significant growth in those turning to Christ. Many of us feel that God is using current events to turn this nation to himself.”