People’s Party slams pricey Thai Parliament car park project
Fresh scrutiny over public spending ignites debate on government priorities and transparency
The People’s Party (PP) disclosed details about another expensive parliamentary project involving the construction of a car park building.
Parit Wacharasindhu, an MP from the opposition who leads a House committee focused on political development, mass communications, and public involvement, stated yesterday that the House of Representatives’ secretariat announced a successful bidder for a 104.5 million baht project to design a car park on Sam Sen Road. This announcement, signed by the House’s Secretary General, Sub-lieutenant Aphat Sukkhanant, was released on March 25.
Among the 15 renovation projects planned for Parliament, the car park stands as the most expensive, costing over 4.5 billion baht, according to Parit. The Cabinet gave its in-principle approval on January 28, with funding expected from the budgets for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 fiscal years.
However, the Cabinet has not yet approved a budget request for approximately 1.53 billion baht for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget bill for 2026 is scheduled for deliberation from May 28 to 30.
Parit stated that the House committee will invite representatives from the House secretariat for further explanation today, May 8.
Sources indicated that the planned underground car park will be 13 metres deep, offering at least three levels capable of accommodating up to 4,600 vehicles. The ground level is also set to hold at least 19 buses, alongside space for office buildings and utility systems.
There is growing criticism over Parliament’s request for additional funds worth billions for renovations, despite the new chambers having opened just last year.
Contentious proposals include a 113 million baht request for refurbishing Parliament’s Sala Kaeo (Crystal Pavilion) and 180 million baht for installing a 4D cinema, which Parliament describes as an information room for visitors.
Additional requests include 118 million baht to enhance lighting in seminar rooms, 117 million baht to refurbish the kitchen area and convert part of it into a recreation room, and 99 million baht to upgrade the sound and video systems in Parliament’s 1,500-seat conference room, Bangkok Post reported.
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