Please keep Bangkok Thailand in your Prayers

I know how poor the American media is—and I’m not sure how many of my friends back in the States have been keeping track of the current events here in Thailand.

For the past month political demonstrations have been taking place in one of the top retail-financial districts of Bangkok–literally bringing the city to a stand still…closing 5 star hotels, and major shopping malls.

–The country itself is dealing with many delicate issues, and ultimately the solution is going to involve compromise from everyone involved.  During these protests more then 25 people have died, and over 800 have been injured.

A week before the Songkran Festival…I was in Bangkok and video recorded some of the peaceful demonstrations via my Iphone.

Since that video was recorded—more than 6,000 “Red Shirts” have barricaded themselves in the core of the city and are refusing to go home until Parliament is dissolved.  There has been Military and Police presence…and yesterday 5 grenades exploded at one of the major Skytrain stations (public transit), injuring both Foreigners and Thais–No one is 100% sure who is to blame for the blasts.

I am fortunate enough to be located in Phuket (an Island off the main land)–which is an hour flight from BKK.  Here in Phuket, life is paradise, and we have been lucky enough to miss the political demonstrations–and the violence that has been associated with the protests.

Many of my friends at EMAC, and BKK BJJ however–have not been as lucky, and have been forced to use extra precaution while moving around the city to accomplish their daily tasks.

Regardless of which political party is right–or wrong…I’m asking my friends to keep Thailand in their prayers.  Hopefully a compromise will be made shortly before any more lives are lost.  Let’s return Thailand to “The Land of Smiles”

**For up to date info on the situation in Thailand click here**

*Thanx BKK BJJ Instructor Adam Kayoom for the pic of the Red Shirt barricades.