Parliament Speaker Defends Lawmakers Over Late-Night Session Meal Row
Parliament Speaker Sophon Saramun defended extending a budget review session past midnight, rejecting calls for meal welfare and citing lawmakers' need to purchase their own food during late-night parliamentary work.
On September 8, 2569, House Speaker Sophon Saramun gave an interview at Parliament regarding the consideration of the 2570 fiscal year budget bill's second reading, which has fallen behind schedule. He said the review was planned for three days, and after consulting with the two deputy speakers, the session would run late but would definitely conclude the same day, possibly extending past midnight.
Sophon explained two ways to expedite proceedings: first, require lawmakers to debate only the specific agenda items under consideration rather than general principles, which he has repeatedly warned about; and second, ensure the two main political blocs consult with each other, as the success of the meeting depends on inter-bloc coordination. He noted that some ministries tend to generate extensive debate—such as Agriculture and Interior—because lawmakers wish to raise constituent concerns, and he requested that only bill amendments be addressed during debate to complete the review within three days.
Regarding Bangkok MP Banthad Nuamjerm's call for meal welfare provisions during late-night sessions, Sophon said the issue kept cycling back to the same problem: if welfare is provided, lawmakers are accused of receiving free meals as volunteers. He stated the matter is under review and proposed that lawmakers can simply purchase their own meals if no welfare is available.
When asked about numerical placards displayed during recent parliamentary exchanges between the Bhumjaithai, People's, and Democrat parties, Sophon acknowledged he was initially confused about their meaning but later understood their significance. However, he decided not to permit them because they violate parliamentary regulations requiring prior approval from the chair to display any objects. He noted that today's session proceeded smoothly without incident. When asked if lawmakers were instructed on this matter, Sophon said no instruction was given, as all parties must cooperate for the country's benefit.
