Security stepped up at Government House Children's Day

A pingpong bomb exploded on Friday as a worker was closing a manhole behind the Thai Ku Fa building, inside the Government House compound. No casualties were reported.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Jongrak Jutanon said the bomb could have been left behind by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who occupied the compound from August to December last year.

Metropolitan Police Bureau's 1st Division Chief, Pol Maj Gen Anan Srihiran led eight members of the police bomb disposal unit and 15 staff from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Water Disposal Department to carefully comb the compound again, particularly the drainage system network in the Government House compound, to ensure safety as the premises will be open for children on National Children's Day this Saturday.

Pol Maj Gen Anan said a bomb scanner was used to check whether any bombs had been left in the Government House compound, with detection especially focusing on shrubbery, the drainage system and the Thai Ku Fa, Santi Maitree and Naree Samosorn buildings which will be open for youngsters to visit during the National Children's Day event.

After the inspection for possible explosive devices, supervision of the area will be transferred to the Special Branch Police for further security control.

During the Children's Day ceremonies on Saturday, bomb detection equipment will be used to ensure safety for all, he said.

Special Branch police will deploy 150 officers in the premises while the surrounding area will be patrolled by both uniformed and plainclothes police.

Government House is a popular venue for children on National Children's Day as the children would have opportunity to visit the prime minister's workplace, his working office.

This year the compound will be open from 8.30am-3pm and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will attend the activities and meet the children there.