In recent developments, the People’s Party (PP) unveiled a new parliamentary initiative to erect an underground parking facility, setting political tongues wagging with its hefty price tag. Parit Wacharasindhu, an active opposition MP leading the charge in the house committee on political development and public involvement, highlighted this ambitious project on Sam Sen Road with a price tag of 104.5 million baht. The revelation, signed by Sub-lieutenant Aphat Sukkhanant, the House’s Secretary General, was publicly announced on March 25.
This car park is no ordinary initiative. With an astonishing estimated cost of over 4.5 billion baht, it clearly stands out among the 15 planned renovation ventures for Parliament. The budget requirements for this considerable undertaking are projected to be sourced from the fiscal years of 2026 through 2028. Notably, the Cabinet has shown preliminary support for this initiative as it provided an in-principle nod this past January. However, an immediate requirement of approximately 1.53 billion baht for the 2026 fiscal year is still awaiting final Cabinet consent. Enthusiasts of political drama, mark your calendars: the budget bill will be up for lively deliberation from May 28 to 30.
Parit remains committed to unraveling any potential mysteries wrapped around the need for such a monumental expenditure. Thus, he plans to invite the House secretariat’s representatives today, May 8, to furnish further explanations.
The proposed architectural marvel, sources say, will delve 13 meters into the earth, incorporates at least three subterranean levels, and aims to accommodate up to a staggering 4,600 vehicles. Beyond its vehicular capacity, the project envisions facilities to house 19 buses, coupled with office buildings and essential utility systems, making it a multifaceted project.
However, this parking extravaganza has attracted widespread criticism. Observers have keenly noted that Parliament has barely broken in its new chambers, and yet there are calls for renovations amounting to billions. There are eyebrows raised over Parliament’s 113 million baht proposal to upcycle the Crystal Pavilion, not to mention the mind-boggling 180 million baht earmarked for a fanciful 4D cinema, ostensibly a visitor information room. Other proposals in the yet-to-pass budget bill include 118 million baht aimed at spicing up the lighting in seminar rooms, a 117 million baht redesign of the Parliament kitchen to infuse a certain joie de vivre, and 99 million baht to modernize Parliament’s 1,500-seat conference room with a dazzling sound and video system. The Bangkok Post has shed light on these intriguing demands.
As these audacious plans stir debates, both within political salons and on street corners, all eyes persistently follow Parit and his committee as they navigate this controversial saga. Amid a tapestry of criticisms and curiosity, the nation has its popcorn ready as tales of politics and expenditure unravel in this captivating saga.
Why spend so much money on parking when there are more pressing issues at hand, like education and healthcare?
Exactly, Anna! It’s ridiculous to prioritize parking over fundamental services.
And they act like adding more parking will actually solve the traffic problem. 🤦♀️
Yeaaa but investments in infrastructure can boost the economy and create jobs!
If Parliament barely uses its current chambers, why bother with such lavish upgrades?
Must be nice to have access to such luxurious spending… Another example of elites pampering themselves?
I think a 4D cinema in Parliament is a great idea for educating the public! Innovation isn’t cheap.
Lol! I don’t see how a fancy cinema helps lawmaking.
It’s not just for lawmakers, Tom. It’s for visitors to understand parliamentary procedures!
This is just politicians flirting with grandeur for vanity’s sake.
A total waste of taxpayer money! Let them find their own parking.
Or take public transport like the rest of us! 🙄
Detractors need to see the bigger picture here: modern infrastructure is crucial for long-term growth.
Bigger picture, sure. But are we sinking billions for a glorified parking lot?
Sinking money into infrastructure isn’t new, and it’s always beneficial in the long run. Agree with reader101.
Why all the fuss about parking when Parliament may not be used much? Let’s address that first.
Isn’t it odd that a tiny minority gets to splurge on luxuries while ordinary folks struggle?
Haters will always find something to complain about. I bet this project brings in amazing innovations.
They could invest in public transport systems instead of adding more cars on the road.
I’m with you, Jane. Modern, efficient public transport would truly change the city.
It’s laughable that a parking lot costs this much. Are they paving it with gold?
It’s more than a parking lot, Jake. Look at the facilities it includes!
Parit Wacharasindhu rightly questions this. It’s good to have vigilant watchdogs.
Shouldn’t we discuss the environmental impact of such a massive construction?
Yes! Massive underground projects can wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
The focus is on parking, but the tech upgrades for Parliament’s other facilities are just as questionable.
True! State-of-the-art technology needs a cost-benefit analysis.
Will the additional facilities even be accessible to the public? They often aren’t!