Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin says he is thinking about moving into the Government House living quarters, to ease the daily traffic congestion possibly caused by his motorcade.
Srettha Thavisin told The Standard in an interview that his own residence is in the heart of Bangkok, travel to and from which in a motorcade could worsen the already heavy traffic.
Moreover, moving to Government House would reduce the cost of motorcades and save on fuel.
Chai Watcharong, the government spokesman, told the media after the cabinet meeting last week that Srettha had asked cabinet members to reduce the amount of taxpayers’ money spent on their travel and to reduce the number and size of motorcades, to limit their negative impacts.
Before taking office, the prime minister reportedly said that he wished to redecorate some rooms in the Pakdibodin building, which is in the Government House compound, and turn them into “relaxation rooms”.
His predecessor, Prayut Chan-o-cha, took Srettha on a guided tour of the Government House compound. Srettha told The Standard that he floated the idea of living in Government House, adding that Prayut supported the plan but warned that some may see such a move as grandstanding.
