Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Violent Mob/State of Emergency

UPDATE:

A State of emergency has been declared in Bankgok - the first use of this controversial law since it was passed last year. Taken from the Bangkok Post website:

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency after overnight clashes between pro- and anti-government protesters left one person dead and dozens injured. The military has full police powers effective immediately, and army commander Gen Anupong Paojinda is in charge of security.

I'll be sure to keep everyone updated once I have more information.

Dear Readers,

Although we had school on Monday (for the first time in a week), we received a call just under 30 minutes ago (5:45 am - Bangkok time) that school would be canceled today. We found out that the two opposing protest groups (one pro-government and the other anti) got into a fight earlier this morning and the results were that 1 person was killed and another 34 were injured - 4 in critical condition. The army intervened and both sides have now retreated from one another. The disturbing thing about this fight is that the person was killed with a shot to the head. This is disturbing in that the protestors were not supposed to have guns in the first place. This puts the situation in a higher level of escalation. We have been advised to stay close to the apartment and not wander off - an advice that I'm sure we will heed very well.

I'll keep you updated as soon as I have more information. I'm sure everything will be fine as the protesters are contained to one certain part of the city (which unfortunately just happens to be at the school where we teach). Neverthless, do keep us in your prayers.

Lots of love.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Is there a possibility you'll have to leave? Let me know, I have an extra bedroom- you can be my cat nanny til Dec- I'll pay room and board!!

Please stay safe and know that we miss and love you!

PS cookies on the way this weekend.

Digter said...

Praying for you lots.

Anonymous said...

Hope you're ok..