Sopon Takes Firm Stance: Orders Drug Tests for Parliament Police, Insists on Professionalism Not Misconduct
Parliament Speaker Sopon Sarom ordered drug tests for parliamentary police and announced new professionalism standards for parliament staff, emphasizing that security personnel must conduct themselves as role models worthy of public trust.
At 9:00 AM on May 22, 2026, at the Parliament building, Parliament Speaker Sopon Sarom issued new policies to parliamentary police, security officers, and vehicle and finance department staff. Sopon stated that parliamentary civil servants deserve equal honor and dignity as other government officials, but he perceives them as somewhat sidelined, treated more like support staff rather than recognized as professionals equivalent to prosecutors. He emphasized that parliamentary staff must conduct themselves properly to earn respect, and as the institution undergoes development, they must be ready to change and break old patterns. Security personnel must protect both the parliament building and individuals within it, while also exploring how to make the facility more accessible to the public beyond just parliamentary sessions.
Sopon noted that when the first parliamentary civil service committee meeting convened, he established a committee to review outdated regulations to enhance work efficiency and enable staff to work with dignity and satisfaction. While changing the behavior of parliament members is challenging, he as speaker will work to improve inappropriate conduct and promote capable individuals.
"Parliamentary police must conduct themselves like real police. If we diminish our own honor, our dignity diminishes with it. The public must find us trustworthy. We must continuously train for our duties and not wait until problems arise. We prioritize security in all aspects and must be ready for any situation," Sopon said.
He cited examples from his time as a parliament member to the present, noting that whenever the speaker has instructed members to leave the chamber, no parliamentary police officer has ever dared physically remove a member. Therefore, parliamentary police must be commanding and serve as role models, particularly in handling drug-related matters.
After the policy announcement, parliamentary police underwent urine testing. Sopon reiterated that this was not about catching wrongdoing or punishment, but about solving problems. Inviting officials from the Narcotics Control Board, an external agency, confirmed parliament's genuine commitment to addressing drug issues as an example to the nation.
Sopon further stated that today's testing included parliamentary police and parliament drivers due to current circumstances involving drug epidemics and security concerns. His principle is developing the efficiency of all civil servants here, starting with police through physical fitness improvements and discipline enhancement. The priority is ensuring no involvement with drugs. Parliamentary police discipline must match that of regular police to prepare for potential unrest situations. This location, being vital to the nation, requires parliamentary police to be vigilant in protecting both the premises and personnel.
