PAKDI BODIN BUILDING

The Pakdi Bodin Building is located to the rear of the Thai KuKhu Fah Building where it is flanked on both sides by the “Lotus Pond”. This landscape was inspired after a visit by Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.) to the Maha Sawat Canal in Nakhon Pathom province. There, he saw how the red lotus flowers enhanced the site’s beauty and so decided to plant similar lotus flowers in this Government House pond. The Thai people consider the lotus to be an auspicious plant and will often plant them around their homes to bring peace and joy to their household, and to foster a strong bond between family members

The newest building in the Government House compound, it was completed in 2017 through the initiative of Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.) who wanted it to serve as a symbol and inspiration of allegiance to the institution of the monarchy. To enhance the compound’s harmony, the Pakdi Bodin Building has the same architectural design and decorative style as the Thai KuKhu Fah Building, featuring similar elements such as an arched dome, square front portico, rooftop terrace and stucco motifs adorning the windows and upper part of the building. Designed by the Fine Arts Department, its construction was supervised by the Royal Thai Army.

The exterior is a Neo Venetian Gothic style influenced by Byzantine and Moorish architecture. A highlight of the building is the pointed arches designed to admit more natural sunlight during the day. The building’s vaulted ceiling, stucco window frames and lancet windows also mirror those of the Thai KuKhu Fah Building while appearing slightly more modern and unique.

Grand Hall
This room is used to host various important functions, onsite and online, such as cabinet meetings, calls on the Prime Minister by foreign chambers of commerce, as well as for virtual international meetings. The Grand Hall can also hold a reception for as many as 150 guests.

Thong Tara Reception Room
Furnished in golden silk upholstered French-style furniture, the windows are draped with soft green silk curtains from the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center under the Royal Patronage of HM Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother. One wall is also adorned with a textile entitled “The Ocean of His Compassion and Kindness” donated by the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center, and there is a bronze bust of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great as the centerpiece.

Wanasiri Reception Room
This smaller reception room is decorated in tones of pink and blue. An intricate handwoven textile from the Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Center entitled “Sustainability” adorns one wall.

Milestones
2 September 2019: Meeting between the Thai Cabinet and Delegation of the Republic of Korea under the leadership of His Excellency. President Moon Chae-in, with more than 30 participants in attendance.

5 November 2019: Formal discussions between the Thai Cabinet and a delegation from the People’s Republic of China led by His Excellency Prime Minister Li Keqiang, with more than 30 participants in attendance.

26 June 2020: 36th ASEAN Summit via teleconference with the leaders of all 10 Member Countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General.

Other important functions held here have included the inaugural meeting of the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) and the Center for Economic Situation Administration (CESA), as well as courtesy calls on the Prime Minister by different delegations such as:

15 August 2019: US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) 
17 February 2020: Delegation of the European Trade Association for Business and Commerce (EABC).