BWA Unites with Mission Focus as Tensions Rise in Thailand Coup

The Baptist World Alliance (BWA) has issued a statement saying that the "September 18 coup in Thailand is a reminder of the world of conflict in which we live. Thankfully the military action appears to have been peaceful, with no deaths or injuries reported."

BWA President David Coffey and Director of Baptist World Aid, Paul Montacute, were in Thailand in mid-September, a week before the coup, and met many Baptists from Thailand and the Asian region.

"Although there was a certain level of anxiety about the recent election, and the lack of participation by the opposition, few appeared to be predicting this kind of action," said Montacute. "We must hope and pray that this action will not hinder much of the important work being undertaken by Baptists in Thailand, including the tsunami relief work in the south of the country."

Coffey and Montacute, together with 325 Christians involved in relief and development work from over 52 countries, participated in the triennial conference sponsored by the Micah Network and held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 11 to 15 September. Fifty of the delegates to the conference were Baptists, many working for Christian agencies around the world, and many in areas of conflict.