SANTI MAITRI BUILDING

This bright yellow, one-story building is built on a foundation one-metre above the ground. At the entrance are two crouching white lions, one awake and one asleep, by the neoclassical artist Antonio Canova, modelled after the monument of Pope Clement VIII in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome.

The Santi Maitri Building comprises two wings, the Outer Wing of the Santi Maitri Building, closest to the road and entered from the right, and the Inner Wing of the Santi Maitri Building. Originally, between the two wings was an outdoor terrace and flower garden with a marble fountain in the centre. However, to expand the building’s usable space, it was transformed to be a covered central hall with a decorative, blue glass ceiling featuring delicate flower patterns. It was also later used to host cabinet meetings and gala dinners. More recently, it has also been the venue for the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) press conferences.

The Outer Wing of the Santi Maitri Building, built in 1954 during the premiership of Field Marshal P. Pilbulsonggram, was designed by M.L. Pum Malakul based on the Venetian Gothic architectural style. It comprises two reception rooms, one large hall to accommodate cabinet meetings and a smaller room, the Yellow Room, used to receive guests as well as for important document signing ceremonies.

The building is used to host various high-level government functions, such as receptions for foreign dignitaries and the presentation of royal decorations and awards. It has been the venue for many meetings, conferences and seminars attended by the public, such as students, village headmen and administrators, as well as civil groups and organisations. The Outer Wing of the Santi Maitri Building was renovated in 2003 to move the stage back to accommodate the many dignitaries and functionaries attending the APEC meeting hosted by Thailand.

The Inner Wing of the Santi Maitri Building, built during the premiership of Field Marshal Thanom Kitikachon, was designed by Colonel Chira Silapakanok to reflect a similar architectural style, and connect with the Outer Wing of the Santi Maitri Building. The building’s main hall is adorned with a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (King Rama IX) painted by national artist Chakrabhand Posayakrit. Its main functions are to host press conferences and important document signing ceremonies. There is also a small reception hall, the Blue Room, to accommodate members of the foreign press and dignitaries. The room features a classic décor and furnishings in tones of blue. It is also adorned with three paintings by Chakrabhand Posayakrit. The room also serves as the reception room for Deputy Prime Ministers to welcome their guests.

Milestones of the Santi Maitri Buildings
-     Grand Reception to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 7 December 1987
-     Grand Reception to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on 14 June 1996
-     Grand Reception to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 1999
-     Grand Reception to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 80th Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2007
-     Grand Reception to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 5 December 2011
-     Grand Reception to honour Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on 12 August 2016
-     Grand Reception to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness receiving the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China on 29 December 2019
-     Grand Reception to honour Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness being presented with the Top 10 International Friend Award from the People’s Republic of China on Sunday, 7 March 2010