State officials return to work at Govt House

BANGKOK, 19 April 2010 (NNT) – Government House officials today resumed operation following the recent dispersal of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) from Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchadamnoen Road.

Mr Pongsak Siriwong, head of the buildings and security unit of Government House, disclosed today that the government officials and civil servants had returned to work at the premises after temporarily operating at the Government Center in Nonthaburi province during the anti-government protest at the nearby Phan Fah Bridge. He confirmed that, although the number of security personnel had been slightly reduced, the security measures still remained tight at the compound.

According to a report, military officers are stationing at all the gates of Government House while Gate 2 is currently allowed as the only entrance and exit.

Mr Pongsak added that the compound was fully ready to be used as the venue for the weekly cabinet meeting on 20 April if requested.

The anti-government UDD has staged mass demonstrations since 12 March against the Democrat-led government, calling for Prime Minister Abhsit Vejjajiva to dissolve the House to allow for a fresh election. The UDD recently resolved to return the area around Phan Fah Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road to the public in order to converge at Ratchaprasong Intersection in the heart of Bangkok.