Picture a timeline that seems to stretch longer than the Great Wall of China. It all began in 2013, with the ambitious launch of the Sappaya-Sapasathan building project. Hopes were high, schedules were promising, and the first whispers of debates eagerly anticipated an opening in late 2015. Well, in reality, this timeline turned out to be less of a gentle journey and more akin to an epic saga! Fast forward to July 2019, and you’ll find the grand doors finally swinging open, albeit with a slightly heavier price tag – a whopping 24 billion baht instead of the anticipated 13 billion baht. The building’s dramatic entry into the world’s financial scene became the talk of the town.
Walking parallel to this saga, the People’s Party, ever the vigilant watchdog of both baht and rationale, uncovered another construction conundrum brewing not too far from the epicenter of democracy. Parit Wacharasindhu, a fiercely dedicated MP of the People’s Party, emerged from the shadows of political deliberation to shine the spotlight on a car park development project linked to Parliament. A tantalizing tale of a bidding war tamed by the promise of a 104.5-million-baht price tag, signed, sealed, and delivered by Aphat Sukkhanant on March 25.
Now, hold your breath, as this seemingly modest parking venture has been revealed as a grand architect’s dream carrying the collective weight of a 4.5 billion baht budget. It’s an ambitious project, echoing the fiscal undertones of dramas past, with the cabinet nodding approvingly in principle on January 28, setting the stage for a funding ballet across the 2026 to 2028 fiscal years.
Let me add a twist to this narrative – a request for a hefty 1.53 billion baht from the fiscal year of 2026 is dangling in the air, awaiting the cabinet’s approving glance. The crucial dates to highlight on your calendar: May 28-30, when parliament will engage in a financial juggle to deliberate on the budget bill.
Roll up, roll up, for the House committee’s invitation to representatives from the secretariat promises a thrilling explanation on Thursday. Hold tight as we unravel plans for an underground attraction, a car park wonderland descending 13 metres below with three layers designed to house 4,600 vehicles. Ground level spectacle awaits too, with a bus bay welcoming 19 giant transports while neighboring office buildings and utilities add choreography to the concrete ballet.
Yet, not everyone is swayed by this architectural tale! Rising voices of critique echo throughout the marble halls, questioning the billion-baht request for renovations, despite Parliament’s relatively recent facelift. Among the drama is a contentious cry for 113 million baht aimed at breathing new life into Parliament’s sparkling Crystal Pavilion and a cinematic 180-million-baht endeavor for a 4D cinema intended to narrate the story of parliamentary proceedings to visitors.
Have you heard about the attempt to gather another 118 million baht to illuminate seminar rooms? That’s not all; there’s a 117-million-baht vision to transform the kitchen into a culinary and recreational utopia, accompanied by a 99-million-baht tech upgrade proposal to enhance the audiovisual experience in Parliament’s expansive 1,500-seat conference venue.
It seems the plot continues to thicken with every baht spent, leaving us to ponder the true legacy of Parliament’s costly escapades. The stories interwoven in these grand governmental halls promise entertainment, intrigue, and perhaps a bittersweet anticipation of what’s yet to unravel.
Why are we spending so much on a parking lot? 4.5 billion baht could be used for schools or hospitals!
It’s not just a parking lot; it’s part of a larger infrastructure plan. We need to look at the bigger picture.
Even if it’s part of a bigger picture, shouldn’t we prioritize essential services first?
Why is there a need for such an extravagant cinema or kitchen in Parliament?
Good question! The Parliament is supposed to be functional, not a resort or entertainment center.
The cinema is to inform visitors; the kitchen might be for hosting events.
Exactly, Ronnie. We need more practical spending!
Why can’t we have a solar-powered parking instead? Wouldn’t that save on costs in the long run?
A solar-powered parking could be innovative! I wonder if it’s being considered.
It’s amusing how they talk about ‘ballet of funding’ when it seems more like a circus of spending!
These cost overruns and renovations echo mismanagement. Where’s the accountability?
Parit Wacharasindhu is voicing these concerns at least. But is that enough?
A 4D cinema isn’t a priority! Focus on education about democracy instead.
Will this new parking project be eco-friendly or just another concrete block?
This project is an investment in our country’s future infrastructure.
No amount of fancy workshops can cover up the dubious allocation of taxpayers’ money.
Exactly, priorities need to be set RIGHT!
The environmental impact appears to be overlooked. Has anyone reviewed this?
I can barely pay my bills, and here they are spending millions on this “tech upgrade.”
Right? Why not spend on lowering taxes instead…
Parliament’s sparkle shouldn’t eclipse the true needs of the people.
Do we really need that much parking space for 4,600 vehicles? Seems excessive to me.
More parking can mean less congestion in the area.
But at what cost, really?
If they are renovating so soon, it means they weren’t satisfied with the initial project.
Does anyone know how these spending decisions get approved?
Considering all of this, it’s worrying how such extravagant expenses are justified. I’d like to see more transparency!
That’s why we have representatives like Parit. He’ll keep them in check.