Sala Kaeo (the Crystal Pavilion) under criticism for planned 113 million baht renovation | Photo via Puangthong Pawakapan/Facebook

 

The Thai Parliament is under fire for proposing an extensive budget for renovations, totalling hundreds of millions of baht, at a time when many citizens face economic hardships. Among the contentious proposals are plans to build a 4D cinema and refurbish the infrequently used Sala Kaeo pavilion, which critics, including several People's Party MPs, regard as extravagant and unnecessary.

 

The renovation proposal allocates 113 million baht to upgrade the Sala Kaeo pavilion. Puangthong Pawakapan, an Associate Professor from Chulalongkorn University, criticised the expenditure in a Facebook post, pointing out that the pavilion is practically unusable during the day due to intense heat, humorously warning that visitors could become "grilled chicken" if they attempted to enter.

 

Bangkok MP Rukchanok Srinork echoed Puangthong's sentiments by pledging to oppose the proposal, emphasising the strong public opposition to spending public funds on such projects.

 

Another controversial element is the proposed 180 million baht for a new 4D cinema within the parliamentary complex. This addition was questioned for its relevance, with Bangkok MP Bhuntin Noumjerm drawing parallels to commercial attractions in shopping malls and questioning its purpose. "This is public money… What purpose does this cinema serve? Who will it benefit?" he asked during a May 1 committee meeting.

 

The proposal also includes requests for 118 million baht to improve seminar room lighting, 117 million baht for overhauling the Parliamentary kitchen and creating a recreational area, and 99 million baht to update sound and video systems in the conference room.

 

Parliamentary officials defended the cinema proposal, claiming it would serve as an informational resource for visitors, inspired by similar visitor centres found in Parliaments worldwide. House of Representatives Secretary-General, Acting Pol. Sub. Lt. Arphat Sukanan, noted that such audiovisual facilities are commonplace in other nations.

 

However, the planned 113 million baht renovation for Sala Kaeo, showcased in a widely circulated photograph, continues to draw public ire, highlighting growing calls for fiscal responsibility and transparency amid Thailand's economic challenges.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-05

 

 

This country only pursues material progress but never attempts to address its deeply rooted problems.