Parliament Building Renovation Plans Spark Budget Debate
On May 7, 2025, a significant report emerged regarding the renovation of the parliament building located on Samsen Road in Bangkok, known as the Sappaya-Sapasathan. This building, which spans an area of 119.6 rai and has a usable area of 424,000 square meters, sits along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The construction of the building was fully approved by the cabinet on April 4, 2567, following extensive planning and development.
The parliament building was constructed at a staggering budget of approximately 12.28 billion baht, with Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited serving as the primary contractor. Construction began on June 30, 2556, and the building was officially opened for full operation on May 1, 2564. Recently, the Secretariat of the House of Representatives proposed a budget of 956 million baht for various improvements and renovations to the parliament building.
The proposed renovations include several key projects: 44 million baht for the construction and improvement of the parliament museum, 180 million baht for the development of a 4D film system on floors B1 and B2, and 117 million baht for upgrading fire extinguishing equipment and additional meeting rooms on those same floors. Other allocations include 99 million baht for audiovisual installations in the meeting rooms, 123 million baht for renovating two glass halls, and 118 million baht for updating existing meeting rooms.
Additionally, the proposal outlines 117 million baht for renovations in the parliament building area, 72 million baht for procuring an LED display, and 43 million baht for landscape development and organic fertilizer production. Another 43 million baht is earmarked for renovating meeting rooms in Zone C on the first floor.
However, there are five additional projects that have yet to receive budget approval for the 2569 fiscal year, totaling 1.817 billion baht. These projects include an additional parliament parking building, which is projected to cost 1.529 billion baht, and other necessary upgrades such as security equipment and air quality improvement systems.
During a media tour of the parliament building on the same day, Pirathep Prisanaananthakul, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed concerns regarding the proposed budget for renovations. He highlighted the importance of the seminar room, which is designed to accommodate 1,500 people and has a proposed budget of 99 million baht. He emphasized that this room will not only serve the parliament but also be available to the general public for large meetings and conferences.
“The goal is to maximize the use of available space for the benefit of the public,” Pirathep stated. He acknowledged that the seminar room currently lacks an adequate sound system and has previously incurred high rental costs for events held in temporary locations.
Further addressing the parliament museum, which is set to occupy a significant area of 6,000 square meters, Pirathep expressed the vision of creating a learning center focused on political education and governance. He noted that the museum should be an interactive space that encourages visitors to return and engage with the exhibits.
In discussing the criteria for project consideration, Pirathep listed three main factors: necessity, budget efficiency, and transparency. He affirmed that both he and the Speaker of the House are committed to ensuring that proposed budgets are justified and scrutinized appropriately.
Despite the ambitious plans, the current proposals are still pending approval, with a budget review expected to take place in May. The House of Representatives will assess which projects receive funding and determine if any adjustments are necessary. If the budget committee finds certain projects to be unnecessary, they have the authority to reduce funding accordingly.
Criticism has emerged regarding the proposed budget, with some questioning its value and urging for a reduction in costs. Pirathep responded to these critiques by explaining that adjustments have already been made to the seminar room budget, decreasing it from an initial estimate of 170 million baht to the current 99 million baht.
“We must ensure that all projects are necessary and serve the public interest. The committee has the power to cut funding for any proposals deemed unnecessary,” he stated.
In response to concerns raised by former Deputy Speaker Padipat Santiprada regarding the timing of the renovations, Pirathep acknowledged that the initial plans for the parliament building did not fully account for the museum and seminar facilities. He assured that the oversight was not due to negligence but rather a result of evolving requirements as the project progressed.
As the parliament building continues to evolve and adapt to modern needs, the focus remains on creating a space that not only serves legislative functions but also fosters public engagement and education. The proposed renovations signify a commitment to enhancing the functionality and accessibility of the parliament building for future generations.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions about the renovation budget highlight the balancing act between fiscal responsibility and the need for a well-equipped legislative environment. The outcome of these deliberations will shape the future of the parliament building and its role in Thai governance.
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