Thai parliament’s renovation plan criticised amid economic strain
Parliament's multimillion makeover plan labelled frivolous by critics
Thai Parliament faces criticism after requesting an additional budget of hundreds of millions of baht for renovations amidst economic challenges for many Thais. The budget would fund a 4D cinema and refurbish the seldom-used Sala Kaeo pavilion, a proposal widely condemned as frivolous by critics, including MPs from the People’s Party.
The plan allocates 113 million baht to refurbish Sala Kaeo. Chulalongkorn University’s Associate Professor Puangthong Pawakapan, in a statement made on Facebook, deemed the expense unnecessary, citing the pavilion’s limited use due to intense daytime heat.
“After 8am, don’t even think about walking in — you might turn into grilled chicken.”
Puangthong’s Facebook post was shared by Bangkok MP “Rukchanok” Srinork, who vowed to oppose the proposal, emphasising public consensus against it.
Another key aspect of the proposal is a 180 million baht request for a 4D cinema within the complex. Bangkok MP “Bhuntin” Noumjerm questioned its relevance to democracy during a May 1 committee meeting, comparing it to shopping mall attractions while also questioning the cinema’s purpose and beneficiaries.
“This is public money… What purpose does this cinema serve? Who will it benefit?”
Additional requests include 118 million baht to upgrade seminar room lighting on floors B1 and B2, 117 million baht for refurbishing the Parliamentary kitchen and converting part of it into a recreation room, and 99 million baht to enhance sound and video systems in the 1,500-seat conference room.
Parliament defends the initiative, asserting the cinema serves as an information room for visitors. House of Representatives Secretary-General, Acting Pol. Sub. Lt. Arphat Sukanan stated the House was inspired by visitor centres in other countries’ Parliaments, which feature audiovisual facilities.
A photograph of Sala Kaeo, the Crystal Pavilion, has sparked widespread criticism due to the planned 113 million baht renovation, despite its rare use by lawmakers, reported Bangkok Post.
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