Military still in charge of Government House: Thai army

Bangkok, May 11 (IANS) Security forces have not withdrawn from Thailand's Government House and were still in charge of the compound, Maj. Gen. Apirat Kongsompong, 1st Infantry Division commander, said Sunday.

Earlier, it was reported that the military had handed over Government House, where the prime minister's office is located, to the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), the Bangkok Post reported.

They have allowed the anti-government PDRC to use only the Santi Maitree building, a part of Government House, for press conferences, he said.

Apirat said four army and two police companies were still in charge of Government House, the report said.

"It is not that we have given in to the PDRC's demands. We don't want to see clashes or confrontations instead of talks. If the protesters break into Government House, heavy damage could be expected. We soldiers adhere to the principle of holding talks, not use of force. Use of military forces will only be the last resort," Apirat was quoted as saying.