A soldier guards the entrance of the building housing the Office of the Auditor-General yesterday.

Meanwhile, military staff sent by the Council for National Security maintained strict security. They followed strangers walking in the office while three soldiers guarded each of the building's seven floors.

A source said the office was preparing to install devices to monitor people's activities in the sensitive areas of the premises.

Auditor-General Jaruvan Maintaka said security had been stepped up because of bomb threats and theft of property at the OAG, which is also the office of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

She said items such as mobile phones, plates and cups had been stolen since lots of reporters began to cover the office.

On Monday, the OAG announced that journalists must have identity cards and placed a limit of two reporters or photographers per publication and three per television channel.

Moreover, it allowed photographers and cameramen to take pictures for only five minutes prior to a meeting, while media were allowed to work in the OAG office from 9.30am to 6.30pm only.

Yesterday Jaruvan said she would allow reporters to work in the media room until 8pm on Mondays when the AEC has a meeting.

She also said she would reconsider the number of reporters limited to enter the office, as well as the time limit for photographers and cameramen to take pictures prior to meetings.

Jaruvan talked to reporters informally and made a light-hearted comment that reporters must not forget to keep the room clean and turn off the lights after use.

Budsarakham Sinlapalavan

The Nation