Court owes us the truth, and nothing but

COMMENTARY

Court owes us the truth, and nothing but

Published: 11 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Finally, the Supreme Court has broken its silence.

For about two months, the country's top legal body has been bombarded with questions over its move to tear down its old office, a complex of courthouses on Sanam Luang and Khlong Lot. The Fine Arts Department has categorised the buildings as historical structures that must be preserved.

But the judiciary had remained tight-lipped, until this week. They must be feeling the heat, with the Fine Arts Department lodging complaints with Chana Songkhram police, accusing the court of ignoring repeated warnings that demolishing the buildings would be in breach of the Historical Objects and Historical Building Act BE 2504.

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tansri
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Discussion 9 : 12 Jan 2013 at 04.329
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If the Supreme Court should go select a location outside Rattanakosin island and build 50 storeys high building and a shopping mall next to it and nobody will ask a question. The present location should be turned into a park which will upgrade the whole area.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 8 : 11 Jan 2013 at 19.218
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"This is the problem with judical branches that are not elected by the public and have lifetime seats in their jobs." Sort of like the US federal courts, including the Supreme Court?
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genii
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Discussion 7 : 11 Jan 2013 at 18.067
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This is the problem with judical branches that are not elected by the public and have lifetime seats in their jobs. The are not accountable to the voters therefore they do not fear being removed from office. Simply put they hold to much power over the government and people as they own the laws and interpet them as they wish. All branches of government holders of political positions should be elected by the people and held accountable by the people whom are the soverign power according to the contstitution.
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Eric
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Discussion 6 : 11 Jan 2013 at 14.186
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To add to the confusion, it was reported in a major newspaper that the Fine Arts Department endorsed the demolition back in May 2011. There may be some caveat but this article is really not complete, yet. The Fine Art Department does carry a big stick in determining historic buildings but they should be methodical and not be over zealous to hinder progress. Spoiling the view aesthically of some famous landmarks does seem quite frivolous.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 5 : 11 Jan 2013 at 12.485
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" Most courts, including the Criminal Court and the Juvenile Court, have already moved out of the complex into new premises." Maybe they plan to include a shopping mall, such is found in the government centre where Immigration has moved to.
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airborne
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Discussion 4 : 11 Jan 2013 at 09.184
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Given the numerous beautiful buildings of actual Thai architecture that need preserving one wonders why the Fine Arts need to preserve a western style building.
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pquinlan
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Discussion 3 : 11 Jan 2013 at 09.133
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D1: I agree with your general view, but it is 32 metres tall, NOT 32 storeys, a very considerable difference. 32 metres is still high, though, approximately equal to 10 levels in an office building, but in a public building such as this probably about 6 to 7 levels.
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pjt
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Discussion 2 : 11 Jan 2013 at 09.132
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The BP would do a service to explain who actually holds the budget for this work and who is supervising the building work. Is it really the Supreme Court or in fact one of the Ministries (Interior perhaps) - somehow I doubt the judges and administratiors of the Supreme Court have the skill to mount such as major one off project without outside help and advice
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highlander
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Discussion 1 : 11 Jan 2013 at 07.581
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Why now after many, many years do they require a 32 story building? For what? Today all files are stored in .pdf format on digital filing system. Also can store back-up digitally as well. They could simply upgrade the existing building after they correct what parts they demolished, give it a nice coat of paint and maintain this historical building. Upgrade means fixing what needs to be fixed with the structure, and interiors. No need for any 32 storey building to be put in place with tax payers money. Something fishy about this whole concept about having a 32 storey building. I guess it's about money, contractors, kick backs etc.
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Court owes us the truth, and nothing but | Bangkok Post: opinion