Court halts building plans

The Supreme Court says it will reconsider its plans to construct a mammoth new courthouse close to the Grand Palace.

Nikorn Passaro, who represented the Supreme Court president at a meeting held yesterday by the Senate’s constitutional organisations and budget committee, agreed to make miniature models of the new structure.

The building is designed by national artist Pao Suwansaksri.

It is the judiciary’s first gesture of compromise since it began to demolish the old structure early this year to pursue its 2.5-billion-baht project.

The demolition, which cleared most of the old structure, sparked a public outcry as the old courthouse is touted as being of high architectural and historical value.

Two buildings, one behind the statue of the Prince of Ratchaburi and the other on Ratchadamnoen Road, are still spared in the 20-rai complex.

Jitipot Viriyaroj, who chairs the Senate committee, said the new structure, with a height of more than 30 metres, could ruin the beauty of the country’s cultural landmarks and needs to be changed.

‘‘If construction of the new courthouse begins, it will be too late to do anything,’’ said the senator, who cited concerns by conservationists.

The Senate committee suggested the remaining two buildings be kept and the new structure redesigned.

Mr Nikorn, however, conceded the judiciary has encountered difficulties as the architect insisted on maintaining his design which represents the applied Thai architectural style.

Thira Suwankul, the Senate committee spokesman, said if the judiciary agrees, the Senate panel would step in and find a new architect who can design a structure that can preserve the old facade while designing the interior to cater to the judiciary’s demands.

Pongkwan Lassus, of the Association for Siamese Architects, doubted if the miniature models would provide an answer.