wfn.org | PCUSA Church of Christ in Thailand requests prayers

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

This story available online:

www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08889<http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08889

> Church of Christ in Thailand requests prayers

> Political violence adds to crisis

> by Jerry L. Van Marter
> Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE - As a worsening political crisis in Thailand
drifts toward anarchy, the leader of the Church of Christ
in Thailand (CCT) - the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s
partner church there - has urged Christians around the
world to pray for his country.

The PC(USA) has 10 mission workers serving in Thailand.

"Please pray for the situation throughout our country for
wisdom and humility on the part of decision makers and for
a swift, just and peaceful solution to hostilities," wrote
the Rev. Sayam Muangsak, general secretary of the CCT in an
email that was received by David Hudson, the PC(USA)'s area
coordinator for Asia/Pacific.

The crisis in Thailand intensified last week when
anti-government protestors occupied both of Bangkok's
airports, forcing them to close. The protestors, members of
the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), have demanded
the ouster of the prime minister and have occupied his
compound since August.

The prime minister is out of the country and unable to
return. Speculation is rampant that the Thai military will
step in and seize control of the government.

Political violence has added to the sense of drift than
many fear is leading the country to anarchy. More than 50
people were injured over the weekend in clashes between PAD
supporters and pro-government counter-protestors. The two
groups confronted each other Sunday (Nov. 30) in front of
the capitol.

> The full text of Muangsak's prayer appeal:

> Dear Friends,

As you may be aware the situation here in Thailand has
worsened over these last few days. The People's Alliance
for Democracy (PAD) has taken over Government House and the
government's temporary offices in Don Muang. They have also
moved into both airports here in Bangkok disrupting all air
traffic both domestic and international. In all of this
there have been several isolated incidents of violence from
both the PAD and those who oppose them (the United Front of
Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD) and the fear is that
this will escalate and perhaps spread. The military are
still holding back from becoming directly involved, but
there is a threat that if they do some sectors of society
will respond with violence. We here in the Church of Christ
in Thailand value your prayers at this particular time.
Please pray for the situation throughout our country for
wisdom and humility on the part of decision makers and for
a swift, just and peaceful solution to hostilities. As you
can imagine at this time of economic difficulties
throughout the world the closing of our airports and the
subsequent loss of confidence by the business community and
tourist industry does not bode well for the long term
financial situation here. May God continue to bless you.

> Respectfully,

The Rev. Sayam Muangsak General Secretary, Church of Christ in
Thailand

Editor's note: for information about and letters from
PC(USA) mission workers serving in Thailand and around the
world, visit the Mission Connections Web site
[www.pcusa.org/missionconnections].