Unfinished airport offices hold government back

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's government has not been able to work at full steam as their new offices are not finished.

Don Mueang Airport is serving as temporary offices as Government House has been occupied by the People's Alliance for Democracy for a month. The previous Cabinet approved an Bt8-million budget to renovate the new offices.

Prime Minister Somchai occupies two VIP lounges at Don Mueang while four deputy prime ministers - Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Olarn Chaipravat, Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Sanan Kachonprasart - occupy one each. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat works from the Foreign Ministry.

PM's Office Minister Sukhumpong Ngonkham has an office on the fourth floor of the Airports of Thailand building.

Somchai's Cabinet had its first meeting at Don Mueang on Friday, but work there had not been completed. The building had been abandoned for almost two years since the international airport moved to Suvarnabhumi.

The PM's Secretary's Office has had to provide new furniture and office equipment, including public utilities such as telephone, Internet, electricity and water. Workers are still working there this week.

Ministers are peripatetic until work is completed. They visit the new offices only to attend Cabinet meetings.

Supon Fongngam, who oversees the Public Relations Department, has opted for temporary quarters at the department offices in Soi Aree.

"I can't use my room. Workers are busy there all the time. I will wait until it is finished," a deputy prime minister complained.

Some official staff also

complained that everything was up in the air and they had no idea when the new offices would be completed.