Once a beacon of ambition and political prowess, the Sappaya-Sapasathan building in Bangkok has been the talk of the town since the momentous decision to erect its foundation back in 2013. Initially, this grand architectural project was poised to crown the cityscape by late 2015. However, much like an unpredictable plot twist in a thrilling novel, the actual completion lagged until July 2019, with costs escalating from an anticipated 13 billion baht to a staggering 24 billion baht. (Thank you, Nittaya Nattayai, for the visual insight!)
Fast forward to today, as the sun rises over 2025, the conversation buzzes around the quite necessary renovations of this parliamentary giant. According to Paradorn Prissanananthakul, a deputy House speaker with perhaps the longest last name in parliamentary history, these renovations target more than just aesthetics—they aim to plug the fiscal leaks caused by our committees’ current practice of renting hotel rooms for seminars.
Among the key renovation projects under Mr. Paradorn’s vigilant eye are the transformation of the library and the enhancement of the parliamentary museum—a venture pegged at 120 million baht. Then there’s the ambitious overhaul of the 1,500-seat conference room’s sound system, ringing in at a hefty 99 million baht. “A worthy expenditure,” Mr. Paradorn insists, as he vows personal oversight over these expenditures.
And the museum? Ah, there lies a tale in itself. Critics have dubbed the proposed space a “burial chamber” lying ominously under the building—hardly a place to inspire legislative glory. But Mr. Paradorn is on a mission to shirk such haunting metaphors, envisioning instead a lively and educational gallery of parliamentary history sprawled out across 5,000 to 6,000 square meters. “No one wants a tomb in parliament,” he quips, with an earnest promise to revolutionize the space into a beacon of knowledge rather than obscurity.
The much-needed revamp of the conference hall also comes into sharp focus. While it was part of the original blueprint, it never quite materialized. Naturally, this calls for much discussion (and budgeting), with committees currently roaming the city for seminar venues. Initial budget outlines suggested a cost of 160–170 million baht, but it has since been tightened to a snugger 99 million baht.
With the fiscal cogs of 2026 grinding into motion, the budget bill remains only in draft form, pending the suspenseful reveal in a forthcoming parliamentary session. A discerning committee of MPs and external experts is set to dive into the molehills and mountains of the proposal, ready to snip any futile expenditures at the root. Rest assured, Mr. Paradorn asserts, this budget is still fluid, not yet etched in stone.
In response to whispers of discontent over the necessity of such extensive makeovers on a five-year-old edifice, Mr. Paradorn clarifies that some areas await completion per the original design, such as the conference hall itself. And when probed about the construction warranty, rest easy; this budget is all about the shiny new extensions, not mundane repairs.
Enter Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, championing the renovation cause, citing the well-worn state of the building with all its daily foot traffic. Constructed by none other than Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc, a company with historic ties to Charnvirakul’s family (albeit Anutin himself has long since disconnected from it), the development saga began in earnest in 2013 with a harsh awakening to the need for deadline extensions and unforeseen budget inflation.
Despite finally opening its doors in August 2019—albeit only formally handed over to the government in a 2024 ceremony—the Sappaya-Sapasathan building has not been without its critics. There have been gripes galore, from leaking roofs to leaky pipes, and even some materials mysteriously straying from contractual specs. Yet, like all remarkable endeavors, the path is never purely smooth but is an evolving narrative full of learning and progress, a testament to Bangkok’s evolving political landscape.
I think these renovations are necessary. A parliament building should reflect the stature and importance of the country’s political system.
Necessary? Or just another way to line pockets? These costs are getting out of hand!
I get your skepticism, but transforming the library and upgrading the sound system seem practical to me.
Why are we spending so much on this when there are other pressing issues in our society?
Long-term investment in infrastructure can yield societal benefits by supporting efficient governance.
Curious about the museum plan. Does anyone know if it’ll be open to the public?
From what I understand, yes, it’s aimed at being an educational hotspot for everyone.
That’s great! Could be a wonderful way to engage young minds in politics.
The delays and cost overruns are absurd. Can’t they manage a project better?
When has a public project ever stayed on budget? It’s almost expected at this point.
True, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t hold them accountable.
Does anyone else think the deputy PM’s family connections are a little suspect?
Definitely raises some eyebrows. It’s hard to ignore the potential for conflicts of interest.
True, but Anutin has severed ties, or so they claim.
While the renovations aim to bring new facilities alive, shouldn’t we make sure existing infrastructure is fully operational first?
Absolutely, but it sounds like routine maintenance is separate from this budget.
Renovations are good, but transparency on spending is key. Don’t want this to turn into another ‘Cablegate’.
Totally agree. Regular updates and audits would go a long way in building trust.
Honestly, that building looked fancy enough when I visited in 2020. Why all these changes now?
Creating new educational spaces is a great move. We need to inspire the next generation of leaders!
There’s always backlash against perceived extravagance. But investing in the right areas is crucial.
Define ‘right areas.’ Do buildings really translate into political effectiveness?
Wouldn’t it be cheaper to fix hotel bills than overhaul a whole library?
Why does the cost always escalate after the project starts?
If the library becomes more resourceful, maybe MPs won’t need to rent hotel venues anymore.
Building politics always feels like a soap opera, lots of drama, story twists, and never-ending sagas!
Couldn’t they hire international experts for such a large project? Local firms seem to have struggled.
Honestly, this all sounds like a rich man’s pet project. Roll on 2026.
A museum within a parliament? Hmm, interesting. Could use it as a touristic draw to fund future maintenance.
It’s actually quite normal in many countries! Could attract international visitors too.
Back in my day, we made do with what we had. This generation loves spending other people’s money.
Different times, Grandpa! Investing in technology and education is a must now.
Isn’t it ironic how they talk about a budget ‘not yet etched in stone’ while rebuilding a concrete monument?
We should focus more on who benefits from these changes rather than just the price tag.