Officials work to restore Govt House

Some fifty officers from the Armed Forces Development Command moved the pieces out of the Banchakan 1 Building, which houses offices of political office holders.

Deputy PM's secretary Loiluen Boonnak said the furniture would be repaired at the Phitsanulok House and the Manangkasila Mansion and, in the meantime, furniture from the government's temporary offices in Don Mueang would be used instead. It will also take a while to repair the toilets and the sewage system in the complex.

He added that the premises, especially the fences, would be cleaned and repainted after the merit-making ceremony is held on Friday.

The owner of Nong Nuch gardens - who had landscaped the Government House grounds during Chuan Leekpai's administration - had inspected the area, especially the front yard of Thai Khu Fa Building, Loiluen said. Restoration of the landscape should begin soon and be completed by February, before the Asean Summit is held, he said.

Loiluen said technicians had also inspected the communication systems.