Ready to clean house

Pongsak Siriwong, 52, chief of the buildings and security unit for Government House, hopes the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will soon leave the country's official seat of power.

The anti-government PAD has illegally occupied the compound of Government House since August 26.

"It's the first time in the decades-long history of this Government House that it has been seized for an extended period. During my 25-year service, it was previously seized only briefly for 23 days by the military when there were coups. This time, the PAD has already occupied Government House for more than 45 days.

"On August 26, a Tuesday, I was working inside my office as usual. Then, PAD laid siege to the place and I was held hostage overnight.

"They only released me the following day," Pongsak, who has worked at the Government House since 1983, said.

"In my opinion, the PAD's image will go from bad to worse the longer they stay at Government House. I think they should better announce a date they will leave the place.

"I've heard lots of complaints about PAD and its security guards. For example, a staff member's credit-card information left on the desk at the Government House was stolen, resulting in unauthorised use of his credit card.

"In addition, about 10,000 square metres of lawns and gardens have been seriously damaged by the PAD's months-long occupation. It will cost about Bt20 million just to fix this problem," he said.

Pongsak said the current Government House complex is situated on a 40-rai plot of land with a total of 18 major buildings.

In terms of architecture, the most prominent ones include Thai Koo Fah, Santi Maitree and Naree Samosorn.

"Thai Koo Fah is the oldest as it was built 70 to 80 years ago. It's the only original building that existed when the government purchased the place from its previous owner during the reign of King Rama VI.

"Altogether, we've a total of more than 30,000 square metres of working space, with the prime minister's offices occupying the second floor of Thai Koo Fah.

"Due to the PAD's extended seizure of Government House, last month we had to move some of our offices to Don Muang airport, where we managed to renovate about 15,000 square metres of office space for temporary use.

"So far, we've spent Bt8 million in renovation and leases of office and other equipment. The Don Muang offices were left vacant for two years after the new Suvarnabhumi international airport was opened.

"So far, it's okay to work here but the biggest damage was done to our country's international image. It's awkward when the government or the prime minister cannot work at the official seat of power. It's a symbolic loss," Pongsak said.

Pongsak is also worried that the annual Garden Party held to honour His Majesty the King at Government House every December 7 could be affected this year.

"Since 1975, we've never missed such a grand annual event, which is usually attended by all senior government officials and the diplomatic corps.

"I'm not sure this year but if the PAD leaves before the middle of next month, there would be enough time to fix the problems and clean up the place to prepare for the event."