Please pray for both the people of Thailand and our missionary friends there, the Williams family. Today, we received the note below from the Williams family:
What does martial law mean for Thailand?
At present it means military checkpoints and traffic jams at specific intersections in Bangkok. Otherwise, business continues as usual throughout the country. At least for the present.
Many are relieved at this peaceful intrusion of the military, and view it as a step toward ending the political tension and violence that has dragged out for the last six months in the nations capital.
Although the words, "This is not a coup," are voiced by the military chiefs, they will have to walk a very fine line to maintain order among two protest groups that are bent on civil war.
Just to clarify the scope of martial law, I have enclosed an article below from the AFP that helps to explain the situation.
Please continue to pray that the current struggle for peace in Thailand would prepare hearts to learn of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
BANGKOK, May 20, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's powerful military declared martial law Tuesday in a move it said was aimed to "restore peace and order" in the turbulent kingdom.
Invoking the law comes after Thailand's Constitutional Court ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra in early May following months of protest seeking to oust her government.
But what is the scope of the military's powers? And what are the implications of the move for a nation that has seen 18 actual or attempted coups since 1932? Herewith the main points of the act:
-- The Martial Law Act 1914 gives the army "superior power" over civilian institutions in regard to maintaining public order and security.
-- The army can ban any assembly or meeting and prohibit public movement by land, air or water.
-- Military authorities have the power to censor or shut down newspapers and broadcasters.
-- Soldiers are given full powers to search, requisition, ban, seize, inhabit or destroy "any place". This includes body searches as well as vehicle, home and building inspections and scrutiny of printed material.
-- Army authorities can enlist people to work to help the military and can requisition vehicles, food, tools and weapons from any person or company at any time.
-- The military can impose curfews and prohibit access to certain areas.
-- Authorities can detain anyone it suspects of breaching martial law for up to seven days.
-- Civilian courts remain operational, but a martial court can be given authority to hear criminal trials in cases committed under martial law. It can continue to hear cases even after martial law has been revoked.