Government House of Thailand

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Government House with anti-government protesters during the 2008 Thai political crisis, August 2008

The Government House in Bangkok houses the offices of the Prime Minister of Thailand and his cabinet ministers. It also contains conference rooms and is used for state functions and receptions of foreign guests. It consists of several palace-like structures extending over 11 acres. King Vajiravudh commissioned the Italian architect Annibale Rigotti to design the main building in 1923, although construction would remain incomplete as Rigotti returned to Italy after the king's death. Initially intended as a family residence for one of the king's favorite generals, the building became the Prime Minister's seat in 1941. Prime Minister Plaek Pibulsonggram then assigned Italian sculptor and artist Corrado Feroci to complete the construction (also working on the building at this point was the architect Ercole Manfredi). The main building carries a golden dome housing a statue of Phra Phrom (Brahma) and its façade resembles that of the Ca' d'Oro Palazzo in Venice.

During the 2008 Thai political crisis, anti-government protesters besieged the Government House. After a court order, they had to move, but then attempted to block the government house once more and succeeded - the cabinet temporarily moved to Don Mueang International Airport.

The protesters besieged Don Mueang International Airport soon after that, giving the cabinet nowhere to work. On 1 December 2008, after protesting for 3 months, the protesters decided to leave the government house as there were constant attacks of bombs, grenades and gunfire.