Democrats baulk at high price for new garden

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) occupied Government House for more than three months. During that time, protesters converted the lawn outside the Thai Khu Fa building into a rice paddy.

Earlier the Secretariat of the Prime Minister hired Nong Nuch gardens - the firm which landscaped the grounds during Chuan Leekpai's administration - to renovate the landscape. The company proposed a "villa style" design with palm trees, but allegedly sought Bt25 million for the restoration work.

However, Niphon Promphan, general secretary for the prime minister, reportedly rejected the move, saying the budget was too high. He wanted the PM's Secretariat to attempt to get a better deal.

"Some seniors of the Democrat Party such as Suthep Thaugsuban and Korbsak Sabhavasu thought the cost was too high but in fact we don't want to create the idea that the PAD caused so much damage it led to the high price to repair it," a source from the Government House said.

Rubbish from the siege has been removed but the gardeners are waiting for trees to plant on the lawn. At first, the government wanted the restoration to begin quickly and be completed by February, in time for the Asean Summit. But with the summit being shifted to Hua Hin, in Prachuap Khiri Khan, it is no longer urgent.

It was also reported that Niphon, who owns a popular house building company, would find a new firm o take care of the renovation.

"I will be in charge of it by myself. I think I can find one for less than Bt10 million," Niphon was quoted as saying.

Whatever the real reason for the Democrats' moves, be it saving money or "saving face" for the PAD, the lawn is currently like a desert, waiting to be reborn.