Baan Phitsanulok is experiencing a renaissance, returning to the political spotlight after over 30 years of relative obscurity. On Thursday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra made a grand entrance into the ornate government guest house on Phitsanulok Road, chairing her first meeting with a five-member senior advisory team. Her excitement was palpable as she took to her X account, declaring, “Baan Phitsanulok is officially opened,” accompanied by photos capturing her leading her advisory team into the historic mansion in the Dusit district of Bangkok.
This seminal meeting at Baan Phitsanulok marked the first official gathering since the Prime Minister’s high-profile advisory group was appointed earlier this month. The advisory panel is spearheaded by Pansak Vinyaratn and includes an impressive lineup of members:
- Surapong Suebwonglee, deputy chairman
- Tongthong Chandransu
- Phongthep Thepkanjana
- Supavud Saicheua
Constructed in 1922, Baan Phitsanulok holds the title of the official residence of the Prime Minister, though historically, Chuan Leekpai has been the only premier to reside there for an extended time. The Venetian Gothic mansion has predominantly served as a guest house for VIPs visiting the government.
Perhaps Baan Phitsanulok’s most iconic period was between 1988 and 1991, under Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan. During this time, it served as a bustling command center, with Mr. Pansak at the helm of a seven-member advisory team. This period was marked by innovative policies, including the transformative “battlefields into marketplaces” initiative, aimed at fostering economic growth in a region still recovering from the Vietnam War and Cambodian turmoil.
The Baan Phitsanulok advisory team gained significant recognition during Chatichai’s tenure until his administration was abruptly ended by a coup in 1991.
Interestingly, Mr. Pansak’s advisory prowess is no stranger to the Shinawatra family. He previously advised on economic policy during the administration of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, when he held the Prime Minister position. With deep roots in Thai political strategy, Pansak’s return to Baan Phitsanulok heralds a time of renewed significance and strategic direction for the mansion, once again placing it at the heart of the nation’s political landscape.
Reviving Baan Phitsanulok is just a political stunt. It’s all for show and no real substance.
I disagree. Baan Phitsanulok is a symbol of Thailand’s political history and tradition. It’s great to see it back in the spotlight.
Symbols don’t govern a country, policies do. Paetongtarn should focus on real issues.
Actually, symbols can be quite powerful in politics. They can unite people and inspire action.
I’m excited to see a return to Baan Phitsanulok! It’s a beautiful piece of our heritage that shouldn’t be forgotten.
It’s just a building, what’s the big deal? We have more pressing issues to handle.
It’s not just about the building, Simon. It’s about what it represents in terms of leadership and history.
Having Pansak Vinyaratn on the advisory team is a double-edged sword. His experience is valuable, but will it really make a difference today?
Experience always matters. He has a proven track record with the Shinawatra family.
True, but times have changed. What worked decades ago might not be relevant now.
Pansak’s strategies could be exactly what we need to navigate current economic challenges. I’ll remain hopeful.
Can’t believe people are excited over a building. Politicians should be working on new policies, not old monuments.
It’s not just about the building. It’s about reviving a place full of strategic importance.
Paetongtarn is following in her father’s footsteps. I wonder if that’ll lead to the same controversies.
Oh, come on. Can’t we give her a chance before jumping to conclusions?
The mansion reflects the glory days of Thai politics. This could be a turning point for the country.
Not sure if returning to Baan Phitsanulok will be enough to solve Thailand’s political issues.
It feels like a PR move more than anything substantial. Why not focus on pressing social issues instead?
I think it’s a smart move. Symbolism can be powerful in driving political agendas forward.
Another example of form over function in politics.
Function can follow form. By reviving this symbol, it could kickstart real change.
Baan Phitsanulok is more than a building. It represents a rich history that should be preserved.
Will this revival lead to real policy changes, or is it just nostalgia?
Only time will tell, but having seasoned advisors like Pansak Vinyaratn is promising.
Baan Phitsanulok is beautiful. Incorporating it back into politics could bring a sense of stability.
Let’s not ignore the fact that Paetongtarn has chosen some very experienced people for her team.
Yes, but experience doesn’t always translate to effectiveness.
This is definitely a strategic move. Paetongtarn Shinawatra knows what she’s doing.
At least she’s trying to bring something new, or should I say, old. We’ll see how it goes.
Focusing too much on a building could be a distraction from more important issues.