Court told to suspend demolitions pending review

Representatives of people's networks rallied outside the Supreme Court compound on Rajdamnoen Avenue yesterday demanding an immediate suspension of the demolition of old buildings.

The buildings, which some say have historical value, are being torn down to make way for the court's new offices.

"The court should listen to people's opinions," said Paranee Sawasdirak, an independent academic who rallied under the banner of "Town Planning for Society Network".

Some 20 representatives from various other people's networks joined her yesterday.

Paranee said it remained unclear whether the court buildings could be considered "historical buildings", so the demolition should be suspended pending review.

"These buildings are state property. It's not just an issue between the Fine Arts Department and the court," she said.

Representatives of the Supreme Court recently dismissed moves to halt the demolition, saying the Fine Arts Department had signed a paper endorsing the plan to tear down the buildings a few years ago.

Paranee believes the court could be held responsible if it is proved that one of the buildings, which has already been torn down, was indeed a historical structure.