Parliament's renovation budget slashed by a staggering 702 million Baht by the subcommittee
Thailand's House of Representatives' budget subcommittee has made significant adjustments to the parliament renovation budget, reducing it by a substantial 702 million baht. This decision comes after public backlash and criticism over the project's high cost and lack of urgency.
The changes include the cancellation of several projects: - The renovation of Sala Kaew (Glass Pavilion) - The renovation of the CB406 budget meeting room - The renovation of the cabinet reception room - Landscape improvements to support parliament's organic fertiliser initiative
These cancellations alone saved approximately 300 million baht.
Other projects have been scaled down. For instance, the originally planned 4D screening room intended as an immersive cinema for visitors will now be a simpler educational space, without 3D or 4D features. The budget for improving the lighting on the B1 and B2 floors and upgrading the kitchen and banquet hall has also been reduced by half or more.
Mr Parit, a member of parliament, praised the decision, calling it a meaningful effort to curb unnecessary spending. He emphasized that a good parliament is one that works efficiently for the needs of the people, and not one that is measured by its grandeur.
This budget cut is part of a broader effort to reconsider expenditures related to parliamentary renovations after the new chambers had only recently opened. The House of Representatives, according to Mr Parit, is demonstrating its willingness to hold itself accountable and respond to public criticism.
No further cuts or adjustments to the budget have been mentioned beyond those already discussed.
The significant adjustments to the parliament renovation budget have also impacted the business sector, as several projects for renovation have been cancelled, saving around 300 million baht. The decision to scale down projects and cut costs, such as the cancellation of the 4D screening room, seems to be influenced by the politics surrounding the project's high cost and lack of urgency. This move is seen as an example of general-news stories where institutions take meaningful steps to curb unnecessary spending in response to public criticism.
