BANGKOK, THAILAND (April 13, 2009) – Evangelical Covenant Church World Mission staff working in Thailand are reported safe as violence escalated earlier today and troops opened fire on anti-government protestors, Covenant News Service has been informed.
“We understand the images on the television look quite disturbing,” reports one Covenant source, noting that all of those working with World Mission operations are safe. “Most of the activity has been centered in or near the Bangkok area.”
“We understand the images on the television look quite disturbing,” reports one Covenant source, noting that all of those working with World Mission operations are safe. “Most of the activity has been centered in or near the Bangkok area.”
At least 70 people have been injured, with the normally active tourist zone transformed into a battle zone, reports CNN News. Protestors, who have demanded that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva step down, are loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup.
The prime minister later in the day issued a statement declaring that government troops are finding success in efforts to bring an end to the days of violence.
Covenant News Service will provide more information as it becomes available.