Imagine the scene: the splendid Chao Phraya River glistening under the gleaming Thai sun, while a state-of-the-art parliament building proudly stands on its banks. Construction aficionados and political watchers alike might expect this setting to host nothing but the most modest architectural masterpieces. However, in a narrative as riveting as a thriller, the People’s Party (PP) has lifted the veil on a project that is as hefty in cost as it is in ambition—a high-priced parking structure destined to make wallets weep.
Leading the charge in this tale of public spending is Parit Wacharasindhu, a prominent member of the PP and chairman of a key parliamentary committee focused on political development and public communication. His revealing words echo across the chambers and beyond: it seems an eye-popping 104.5 million baht has been set aside just for the design phase of a futuristic car park on Sam Sen Road. This announcement, despite its staggering nature, carries the authoritative signature of Sub Lt Aphat Sukkhanant, the House’s secretary-general, dating back to a fateful March 25.
At the heart of this ambitious development plan lies a broader context: a whopping 15 renovation projects aimed at morphing the parliament into a modern haven. However, the car park takes the cake as the financial heavyweight of the lot, with an estimated value soaring over 4.5 billion baht. This fiscal maneuver was given the green light on January 28 by the cabinet, with funding to come from future budget cycles slated for 2026 through 2028, offering a spendthrifts’ delight across years of planning and execution.
Yet, like any political thriller worth its suspense, a twist is never far away. The initial call for a 1.53 billion baht slice from the 2026 fiscal budget has yet to receive the cabinet’s loving nod. As we count down to the budget deliberations scheduled between May 28 and May 30, it’s anyone’s guess whether the purse strings will loosen or tighten.
The plot thickens: Whispers suggest a subterranean parking marvel—reaching 13 meters deep and sprawling across at least three levels—poised to welcome approximately 4,600 vehicles into its metallic embrace. Should you harbor dreams of arriving by bus, you’re covered too, with ground-level comfort for at least 19 of these trusty carriers, alongside office spaces and essential utilities.
As the rubber meets the road in parliament’s fiscal saga, public murmurs are becoming harder to ignore. Despite the chambers unfurling their doors just last year, cries against the billion baht splurge on renovations echo louder with each passing day. Among the most talked-about additions are a posh 113 million baht refurbishment of the parliament’s dazzling Sala Kaeo, whimsically dubbed the Crystal Pavilion, and an extravagant 180 million baht laydown for an unconventional 4D cinema under the guise of an information room for curious visitors.
If you think the spending spree stops there, you’re in for a surprise. Budget plans tout another 118 million baht to illuminate seminar rooms so brightly they might rival the aforementioned sparkle of the river. Then there’s the 117 million baht revamping of the kitchen, injecting a slice of recreation heaven. Lastly, 99 million baht is earmarked for sound and video system upgrades in parliament’s capacious 1,500-seat conference room, ensuring every seat is metaphorically and literally in tune with the floor’s political pulse.
In this gripping narrative of grand visions and even grander budgets, the conclusion seems a million miles away. As we await the next act in this political drama, only time will tell if the final chapter will deliver triumph, controversy, or yet another plot twist waiting just around the fiscal corner.
What a colossal waste of money! Think of how many schools and hospitals could be built with 4.5 billion baht.
True, but isn’t investing in infrastructure equally important? It’s not just about roads and bridges.
I agree with Tommy. A well-maintained parliament complex signifies a country’s pride and efficiency.
Pride doesn’t put food on the table, Tommy. Priorities should lie in basic needs first.
Budget allocations like these are why so many people are disillusioned with politics. It’s all about appearances instead of functionality.
Totally agree! Parliament should focus on being accessible and productive, not flashy.
But isn’t it possible that visibility and appearances help in diplomatic relations too?
Not when people are suffering at home. Diplomacy is fine, but let’s not glamorize it with extravagance.
Can’t believe they’re even considering a 4D cinema in a parliament building. What’s next? A rollercoaster for the politicians?
Haha, a political rollercoaster! But seriously, this is getting out of hand.
If only they invested in something as useful as a rollercoaster! At least kids could enjoy that!
I’m intrigued by the idea of an underground parking lot. Seems like something out of a James Bond movie!
Sure, but at what cost? We can’t keep glamorizing unnecessary expenses in government projects.
Is anyone else concerned about the environmental impact of digging so deep for a parking garage? There’s got to be a better way.
I actually think it’s a good step forward. We need more modern and efficient facilities for our government to function better.
I can see the point, but do we need a 113 million baht pavilion and 4D cinema for that?
Well, everyone’s entitled to their own definition of necessity, I guess.
Before we judge, maybe it’s time we looked at examples from other countries. They also make substantial investments in their parliament complexes.
What about investing that money in public transportation rather than parking spaces? The future is bike lanes and trains, not more cars.
As long as funds are transparently accounted for, I don’t mind a few vanity projects if it means jobs and development.
We should have a referendum on such massive projects. Let the taxpayers decide since it’s their money on the line.
A referendum would slow everything to a crawl. We need decisive action sometimes.
Lol, imagine VR headsets for parliament members. Who needs real debate when you can simulate it?
All that investment should go green. Solar parking shades, energy-efficient systems—the works. Can we please move into the future sustainably?
Are the office spaces in the parking structure necessary? Feels like an excuse to spend more.
I’m just curious how long it’ll take to see any real benefits from this project. Wish we focused more on immediate gains.
Once they get this done, maybe the next government project will be building floating parliament buildings. Why not go all in?