Abhisit on Toon bench?

Quayle was the third "major" ambassador to con-gratulate to the PM after China's Zhang Jiuhuan and American ambassador Eric John visited Abhisit last week.

The British ambassador complimented the new PM, who he said had excellent qualifications and ability because he was an Etonian and graduate from Oxford University.

Quayle brought a gift sure to delight the young PM, who is a devoted Newcastle United fan, with a black and white jersey from the club with the number 27 and his name on the back.

Repairs continue

Today is the first official day of work for the Democrat-led Cabinet. New Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will officially enter Government House at 8.19, an auspicious time.

Traditionally, he will pay respect to a Buddhist statue in his office in the Thai Khu Fa Building and then a Brahma statue, revered by Government House officials, before chairing the first Cabinet meeting.

Protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) occupied Government House for several months to campaign against two previous prime ministers, Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat, but office rooms in its buildings have been restored and fur-nished in time to serve the new Cabinet.

Deputy prime ministers and PM's Office Ministers will have their rooms at the Command Building. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban will take the biggest room with the best feng shui on the fifth floor. It was previously occupied by Somchai and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, then they were deputy prime ministers.

However, the restoration cost Bt25 million and was not expected to be completed till next month to serve the Asean Summit in Bangkok, Pongsak Siriwong, head of the Government House building-and-security unit said.

The Fine Arts Department is currently designing a new landscape for the Thai Khu Fa building's lawn, after it was converted into a rice paddy during the PAD occupation from August 26 to December 1.

The new landscape would be created in accordance with the building's architectural style and feng shui principles. Palm trees and plants will fit the new design "villa-style", rather than the previous "office style".