Parliament Speaker Leads Grounds Cleanup, Defends Maintenance Role

At 9:30 a.m. on July 27, 2025, Sophon Saramae, President of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, presided over a ceremony honoring the King's birthday on July 28, 2025. The morning began with monks chanting and parliamentary staff presenting alms to ten Buddhist monks. Sophon then opened a royal tribute project at the statue of King Rama V, where staff signed loyalty pledges and recited a volunteer oath centered on the phrase "We do good with our hearts."

During the grounds-keeping activity around Parliament's 100-acre compound, Sophon watered trees, ordered pipes extended to tree roots, cut grass, and climbed a crane to trim dried fronds from palm trees to improve the building's appearance. In an interview, he acknowledged that maintaining the massive structure after the warranty expired was a heavy responsibility. He noted budget constraints and a shortage of skilled landscaping staff, but explained that since Parliament now owned the building, it had a duty to care for it properly. He emphasized that maintaining public buildings built with taxpayer money requires genuine commitment and should become a new standard for Parliament as an institution.

When asked about opposition lawmakers who claimed building maintenance is not the speaker's responsibility, Sophon firmly disagreed, stating that managing the building is precisely his duty as Parliament's leader. He rejected accusations of grandstanding, saying "I'm exhausted but I do this with my heart," and stressed that his motivation is to serve the public, not create a photo opportunity. He added that he would prove his commitment through action, not past blame, and that critics' opinions would not deter him from his responsibilities.