Don Muang airport to be temporay government office

The PAD has shown no signs of leaving Government House after it invaded the property last month and camped there to rally against the government, causing damage to the building, the gardens and the grounds.

Government House officials and ministers have had to temporarily move to the Public Relations Department on Soi Aree, Ban Manangkasila, Ban Phitsunalok and the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, causing a lack of coordination.

Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, acting as caretaker prime minister, consulted with concerned parties and decided to use Don Mueang Airport as the office for the prime minister and his deputies as well as permanent officials.

The airport's reception areas will also become reception areas for the government's guests.

"We have decided to find a temporary workplace because even if the PAD calls off the protest we need several months to fix the area,'' Somchai said.

The first agency to be moved to the airport is the Secretariat of the Cabinet. The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the PM's Office, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary-General and the National Security Council will follow.

"If the PAD moves out of Government House, the government will build a car park on the area connected with Rajdamnoen Avenue as it has already allocated  funds for the purpose,'' he said.