The Garuda is a deeply revered symbol in Thailand, and has been used as a symbol of the King since the Ayutthaya period. An image of the Garuda still adorns the letterheads of all official documents today.
The installation of a Garuda usually marks that a building is now ready for use, as all chattels and fittings are also under the protection of the symbol.
Phra Udom Wachiramongkol, Abbot of Wat Mongkolnimit, and Phra Aram Luang led the blessing ceremony, which included the sprinkling of holy water over the ‘Kathu District Office’ sign over the main entrance, above which the Garuda icon was installed..
Joining the auspicious event were Vice Governors Amnuay Pinsuwan and Anupap Rodkwan Yodrambam, Kathu District Chief Thiraphong Chuaychu along with Patong Mayor Chalermsak Maneesri and a host of government officials and other guests.
The new Kathu District Office main building was commissioned after it was determined that the long-standing old building was falling into disrepair and failed to provide enough space for the officials working there.
The new three-storey building provides 1,500 square metres of space. The building took 450 days to construct at a cost of over B26mn, with Sahayotha Architect Co Ltd hired as the contractor.
The Kathu District Office provides administration services for three main administration areas: Patong Municipality, Kathu Municipality and Kamala Tambon Administrative Organization (OrBorTor).