Ban Nora-Singha: Manifold Magnificence
Nida Tunsuttiwong
As the venue for the government's weekly cabinet meetings, state receptions, as well as being home to the prime minister's office, the Government House is one of the capital's most important buildings, which has experienced numerous important political and historic events over the years.
Located on Phitsanulok Road in Bangkok's Dusit district, the building's history began during the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925) when the monarch bestowed upon General Admiral Chao Phraya Rama-Rakop (ML Fuea Peungboon), one of his closest acquaintances, a plot of land and sufficient funds for the entire construction project.
Gen Adm Chao Phraya Rama-Rakop had served the king in a large number of important positions, including Regent, privy councilor, general (army), and as an admiral in the navy.
The building, known then as Nora-Singha, was designed by the Italian architect Annibale Rigotti (1870-1968), who was also responsible, in tandem with fellow Italian architect Mario Tamagno, for creating the magnificent Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall.
The 'House of the Great Warrior'
The term Nora Singha ('House of a Great Warrior'), comes from the name of an avatar (the incarnation of a god in Hindu mythology), which was adopted by Lord Narayana (the Sanskrit word for the Hindu god Vishnu) as he descended to Earth to defeat a ferocious ogre. This mystical being is said to possess the head of a lion and a human body, along with sharp claws.
In 1941, during the Second World War (1939-1945), the government of Japan was so impressed by the building's beauty that it offered to rent or buy the property and turn it into its official embassy. But by March of the same year, General Admiral Chao Phraya Rama-Rakop had offered, in the form of a letter to the head of the Royal Thai Treasury Office (ministry of finance), Pridi Banomyong, to sell the property.
The letter said the property should be exclusively offered to the Thai government at the price of two million baht, citing the burden of general maintenance costs, along with its relatively ostentatious nature. This offer was rejected by the Royal Thai Treasury Office, but in September of the same year, Prime Minister Field Marshal Por (Plaek) Pibulsongkram deemed it appropriate to purchase the property for state receptions and the sale was eventually completed at the price of one million baht.
The Royal Proxy Cabinet ordered the payment to be made by the Royal Thai Treasury Office, appropriating funds from the Royal Privy Purse Office. On the completion of this transaction, Baan Nora-Singha was to fall under the responsibility of the prime minister's office.
The name was changed first to Samakkeechai (samakkee means harmony, while chai means victory) Office, and then to the Government House.
In 1963, the prime minister's office was formally relocated from Wang Suan-Kularb ('Rose Garden Palace') to Baan Nora-Singha and the cabinet approved the purchase of the Government House, to be finalized under a sales agreement with the Royal Privy Purse Office for 17.7 million baht. This was calculated by taking the purchase price and maintenance fees, multiplying them by 15, then discounting the final total by 20% in accordance with government rules and regulations at that time. The ownership transfer was finalized on October 1, 1969 at the Land Department Office in Phra Nakorn province.
The Government House estate now serves as a venue for state receptions, cabinet meetings, and is also home to several government offices, including the office of the prime minister and deputy prime ministers, the office of the secretariat to the prime minister, the office of the secretariat to the cabinet, and the office of the national security council, among others.
The Thai Koo Fah Building
The most important building within the Government House complex is the Thai Koo Fah Building, which was originally known as the Kraisorn Building. This two-story building features neo-Venetian Gothic architecture, as well as some Byzantine influences. You can find examples of plate tracery, the use of a cut or pierced slab of stone set on edge with the flat side facing outward, which is a characteristic of early Gothic architecture, as well as fresco secco, a technique of painting in watercolors on dry plaster. Enshrined atop the building is a sculpture of Lord Brahma.
Inside the Thai Koo Fah Building are many important rooms, such as the Golden Dome, which serves as the prime minister’s guest room; the Ivory, which serves as the venue for state receptions overseen by the prime minister; and the Violet, which is also used as a venue for state receptions by deputy prime ministers and members of the cabinet.
Santi Maitree Building
To the north of the Thai Koo Fah Building is the single-story Santi Maitree Building, which is actually made up of two buildings. In between them is a square-shaped, marble courtyard and a lovely fountain.
The two buildings were built in accordance with the architectural style of the Thai Koo Fah building during the administration of Prime Minister Field Marshal Por Pibulsongkram, who served as Thailand's premier during two stints (1938-1944 and 1948-1957), and Field Marshal Thanom Kittikajorn, who also served as premier during two periods (January-October 1958 and 1963-1973). They are mainly used for major events, such as the award ceremonies for Royal Decorations, as a chamber for banquets, and for important seminars.
Naree Samosorn Buiding
Another building worth mentioning is the Naree Samosorn Building, which is located right behind the Thai Koo Fah building. The single-story building serves as the government's press center, as well as the office of the government’s spokesperson.
Gen Adm Chao Phraya Rama-Rakop originally named this building Phra Khan (the 'Royal Sword' building) and used it to host an important funeral service, as a reception room for musical ensembles, and, occasionally, as a dressing room.
During the administration of Field Marshal Por Pibulsongkram this building’s name was changed to Naree Samosorn (the 'Women’s Club' building'). And it was during this period that the building was used by the premier's wife, Thanphuying La-Eiad Pibulsongkram, as a venue for gatherings of ladies from the upper echelons of Thai society.
Photos: Maneeya Dhammataree.
Credit: TAN Network (www.tannetwork.tv)
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