Coup in Thailand
- Martial law was just declared in Thailand last Monday while we were in Singapore getting our missionary visas. More on that below.
- Thursday, after we got back to Bangkok, it turned into a full-blown coup.
- They shut down TV stations, Radio, set a curfew, dissolved the government, and suspended the constitution. It is still likely that they will ban social media next.
- The news about the coup d’état broke while I was in the barbershop. Lively conversation ensued, but everyone knew it was coming.
- I guess this means I submitted my final visa paperwork to a defunct government. The coup literally happened while I was handing my paperwork in.
- We don’t know if this will turn dangerous or not. Right now, we are in no danger. Just waiting. Our Language school is cancelled and there are a few small anti-coup protests around, is all.
- People here seem to be taking the coup in stride. It is the 12th coup in 80 years, after all. So, kind of just part of the process here.
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The anti-coup protests are starting while the army tries to keep them from assembling. This is where it starts to get interesting.
Visa Trip to Singapore
- This week we also had to make a trip to Singapore to pick up our new “missionary visas.” It is the 2nd to last step of the long process to be here legally and permanently as missionaries.
- Officially, just because of how it works, we are "Church of God of Prophecy" missionaries. Kinda funny. Picture of our paperwork.
- $ingapore, come to find out, it is the most expensive city in the world. I believe it!
- It took 2 days to process the paperwork, so we met up with a missionary there, Chantha Chhim, and had a good time talking with him and hearing about Singapore and the work he is doing.
- Here is my impression of Singapore:
– Incredibly international
– Most everyone speaks English
– As nice, clean, & safe as the nicest U.S. city
– Super expensive/rich
- It was like Cross-culture overload there. For instance:
2 Americans,
living in Thailand,
visited Singapore,
went to Chinatown,
& ordered Italian
from a Malaysian waiter.
- Want an example of Singapore prices??
– Toyota Corolla in Singapore – $102,000
– Toyota Corolla in the States – ~$17k
Proof
- Misc: This is how they stop at traffic lights on a hot day in Bangkok. –
Good morning, We are the Hills from Berean Baptist Church. We wanted to leave a note and let you know how much we enjoy your updates. You find humor in the middle of sticky situations. We laughed at the nonchalant way you mentioned the coup, It really must be a regular occurrence there. We are praying for you and your family, I hope all goes well!
The Hills
Thanks for dropping by to leave a note. It is always good to hear from people that are praying for us.
We may not be so nonchalant if we were the ones being targeted, but for now, I think we are safe.
The Cooks at Heritage in Haslet, TX. Still praying for you guys. How’s the fam doing?
Thank you for praying for us. The fam is doing great. Lori is gearing up for the next kid already.