Greetings from Thailand,
I just wanted to drop a quick note to update you on
the recent events here. Yes, we've had our 18th coup. The first day the
TV and radio were for the most part blacked out from regular
programming. When it did come back on, we were told that Gen. Sonthi was
to be in charge for 2 weeks until an interim government could be
appointed with approval from the King. This coup, unlike the others, has
had the approval of over 85% of the people. The soldiers daily are being
given flowers and food, and thanked as the liberators of the people. The
people see themselves as being freed from a 5 year dictatorship under
Thaksin, where the democratic process had come to a standstill. In
short, I think this might be a good thing for the country in the long
run. The city of ChiangMai is also full of soldiers, tanks and hummers.
Military stations seem to be all over the city. We are told they are
here to prevent any possibility of a counter coup. Other than that,
everything seems to be business as usual.We
hope to be able to return to the States for a visit some time the end of
October. However, we are waiting for things to settle before we lock in
our dates. Please pray that our annual renewing of our government papers
will run smoothly and not be delayed, and that all the government
agencies will operate as before. We are scheduled to renew no later than
Oct. 7, but are still waiting for our documents.
Anyway, we are all fine. For now, things seem to
be pretty normal considering. We thank you all for your calls and email
concerning things here. Your prayers continue to touch our hearts.
God richest blessings towards you all,
Norman, Debbie, and Micah
