The Thai parliament has come under intense scrutiny after requesting hundreds of millions of baht in additional funds for renovation projects, despite the economic hardship many Thais continue to face.
The proposed budget includes funding for a 4D cinema and the refurbishment of Sala Kaeo, or the Crystal Pavilion – a little-used structure within the parliamentary complex.
The plan has drawn strong criticism from the public and several MPs from the People’s Party, who have labelled it wasteful.
One of the most controversial items is a 113-million-baht request to refurbish Sala Kaeo.
Assoc Prof Puangthong Pawakapan of Chulalongkorn University argued the renovation is unnecessary, pointing out that the space has only been used a handful of times since the complex opened, primarily due to extreme heat during the day.
“After 8am, don’t even think about walking in – you might turn into grilled chicken,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
The post was shared by People’s Party MP for Bangkok, Rukchanok Srinork, who said she would vote against the proposal. “The public agrees this is unnecessary,” she added.
Another major portion of the budget includes 180 million baht for a 4D cinema, intended to be installed within the parliamentary grounds.
During a committee meeting on May 1, People’s Party MP Bhuntin Noumjerm questioned the relevance of such a facility, which would feature effects such as lighting, sound, wind, rain, and vibrations, similar to entertainment venues in shopping malls.
“This is public money,” Mr. Bhuntin said. “What purpose does this cinema serve? Who will it benefit?”
Additional components of the proposal include 118 million baht for lighting upgrades in seminar rooms on floors B1 and B2, 117 million baht to refurbish the kitchen and add a recreation area, and 99 million baht to update sound and video systems in the main 1,500-seat conference hall.
In response to the backlash, Parliament has defended the proposal, stating the 4D cinema is in fact an “information room” for visitors.
Acting House of Representatives secretary-general, Pol Sub Lt Arphat Sukanan, said the concept was inspired by similar visitor centres in other countries’ parliaments, which often feature audiovisual elements to engage the public.
