UPDATE: Dec. 4, 2008 – The political protests that began in August, staged by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), have ended.

The protests disrupted flights at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, but the protesters have since left the airport and government buildings. The airport will resume regular operations this week.

Compassion has three child development centers in Bangkok but all are located far away from where the protests occurred.

No Compassion-assisted child development centers or children have been affected.

Please pray for continued stability. Please also pray for God's continued protection of our children and their families in Thailand.

Compassion Thailand will keep us updated as more information is available.

Compassion International will contact you if your sponsored child has been affected.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2008 – More violent protests against the newly elected Thai government recently broke out in the streets of Bangkok, leaving more than 400 people injured.

There are three Compassion-assisted child development centers in Bangkok but they are far from where the violence occurred.

No Compassion-assisted children have been affected.

UPDATE: Sept. 18, 2008 – The government has announced an end to the state of emergency in Bangkok.

Somchai Wongsawat has been elected as the new prime minister of Thailand after the previous prime minister was found guilty of violating the constitution.

All children from the three Compassion-assisted child development centers in Bangkok (TH-501, TH-502, and TH-658) have returned to school and the child development centers are fully operating.

UPDATE: September 10, 2008 - The prime minister of Thailand declared a state of emergency in Bangkok last week following an outbreak of violence from political protesters.

• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced that its 436 schools will be closed until the violence subsides.
• Children from three of Compassion's child development centers in Bangkok (TH-501, TH-502 and TH-658) have temporarily stopped attending school until it reopens.

At this time no Compassion-assisted children have been harmed. 
 
August 29, 2008 - On Aug. 27, the People's Alliance for Democracy staged a protest at various government buildings in an attempt to force the current prime minister to resign.

• Police arrested 80 armed protesters and although the army states that it will not get involved, tensions remain high.
• Children who attend TH-658 have had to temporarily stop attending school as the school has closed until the conflict is resolved.

At this time, no Compassion-assisted child development centers have been affected and all are conducting regular activities.

Please thank God for his protection of our children and their families.