On May 29, 2025, the Thai Parliament continued the second day of its special session to deliberate the 2026 budget bill worth 3.78 trillion baht. Mr. Pichet Chuamuangphan, First Deputy House Speaker and presiding chair, addressed criticisms raised by MP Phantinthon Nuamjerm regarding excessive parliamentary expenditures.
Pichet explained that the 1,500-seat seminar room, although aesthetically pleasing, currently lacks sound systems and essential equipment, making it unusable for public functions. He invited MPs to inspect these deficiencies in person. Regarding the two Sala Kaew buildings, he stated that renovations were urgently needed to prepare for upcoming major events.
He clarified that the Parliament Museum’s design includes two areas: a designated historical artifact space on the first floor and a symbolic rooftop spire. Despite multiple attempts to allocate budget in previous years, delays in design have stalled progress.
Concerning the 133-million-baht throne backdrop renovation, he said it was being designed by the Fine Arts Department and overseen by a dedicated committee, although funding has not yet been approved. The design is nearly complete.
Pichet also addressed the controversial parking structure. Originally intended to have three basement levels, one level was cut due to budget constraints. Once completed, he stated, no further major construction would be necessary. He added that some unused areas, like the 5th floor intended for a Parliament Members’ club, are pending regulatory frameworks.
Responding to concerns about the proposed weapons storage facility, Pichet emphasized that parliamentary police are currently unarmed, which would leave them defenseless in case of a terrorist attack. He argued that honor guards are standard in parliaments worldwide, noting that the Lao Parliament now surpasses Thailand’s in grandeur. He asserted that delaying modernization efforts would result in missed opportunities.
Finally, he addressed the proposed youth engagement and democracy-building initiatives, stating that such programs are essential in the post-coup democratic landscape. He invited MPs to scrutinize any suspected irregularities and welcomed full transparency.