Trouble in Thailand Affects Saving Grace…
The political upheaval that has rocked Thailand in recent weeks escalated the week of May 16 as government troops fired upon protestors in Bangkok. This led to waves of violence and destruction across Thailand, including the city of Chiang Mai, location of Grace International School. Don Williams, the school’s superintendent, reports that, “some of the hard line protesters also set fire to government buildings in other provinces. Here in Chiangmai they set fire to the governors’ residence. As a result we are under an 8PM to 6AM curfew. We want to let you know we are safe and don’t fear for our safety. We just need to be careful that we don’t end up at the wrong place at the wrong time. We have closed Grace tomorrow (Thursday). We’ll see if we can re-open Friday. Please pray for Thailand during this time of uncertainty. Thai citizens naturally are very concerned and feel insecure. Pray that through this Thais will find their security in the eternal God rather than human institutions.”
A day later, Don reported the following:
“The red shirt bikers in Chiang Mai ignored the curfew, coming out in force to set fires to car tyres in several places throughout Chiang Mai and attacked several Bangkok Bank’s branches according to Thai Rath website. Two fire trucks were set ablaze. Newin Chidchob father in law’s Chiang Mai Construction Co building suffered extensive damages and was torched. However, the people in the building were prepared and could extinguish the fire. The police and soldiers are now on motorcycle patrol to confront the red shirt bikers.”
City officials recommended that the school remain closed Friday while the protests and violence continue. Please keep the families and staff of Grace International School in your prayers. And remember, too, to pray for the people of Thailand.
