Parliament President Inspects Empty Rooms, Plans Upgrades Without Budget
Parliament President Sopon Saramun inspected the Thai parliament building and found numerous unused rooms and a deteriorating Glass Pavilion with no allocated budget for repairs after the warranty expired.
On August 19, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., Sopon Saramun, President of Parliament and President of the House of Representatives, accompanied by Mongkol Suratsodjaya, President of the Senate and Vice President of Parliament, inspected the parliamentary building following the expiration of its warranty period. The inspection revealed numerous unused rooms and the Glass Pavilion at the front of the building, which has never been put into service and is now in deteriorating condition.
During the inspection, Sopon noted that significant improvements are needed and many rooms remain empty and unused. He emphasized that facilities like the Glass Pavilion should serve a practical purpose rather than exist merely as a symbol, observing that the wooden structure is difficult to maintain and offers no clear utility.
When asked about funding for repairs after the warranty expired, Sopon said there is currently no budget allocated. He indicated that administrators will need to take personal responsibility for maintenance and organize monthly large-scale cleanups with civil servants. He stressed that leadership should solve problems rather than ignore them.
Regarding the Glass Pavilion, Sopon said it should be used to receive visiting dignitaries or host exhibitions to attract visitors. He is currently considering improvements and requested time, noting that completion will not happen in a single day but that significant progress is being made.
Sopon also mentioned efforts to invite other government agencies to use the facilities and is exploring whether a childcare center for staff members' children could be established. He has discussed possibilities with the Bangkok Governor, who has a budget that could support education and personnel-related initiatives.
When asked about renting seminar rooms to the public for additional revenue, Sopon said regulations would need to be reviewed first. He believes it is better to keep the facilities active rather than let them deteriorate over time. The government already provides services to both opposition and government members who hold events every Saturday and Sunday.
At the front of the parliamentary building, Sopon proposed creating a pedestrian walking street, pending completion of the electric train line. He called for public support for parliamentary initiatives and emphasized his commitment to action rather than empty promises, stating that his administration will focus on delivering practical benefits to the public.
