Bangkok: "Phradon" has acknowledged that the Parliament Museum is currently a dormant space, likening it to a cemetery, and emphasized the urgent need for renovations to make it accessible and engaging for the public. The proposed renovations are part of a larger budget request aimed at enhancing various facilities within the parliament, including the construction of a new 1,500-seat conference room, which is expected to reduce hotel rental costs for seminars.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phradon Prisananantakul, the second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the budget request for the year 2026, amounting to nearly 1.2 billion baht, which includes plans to revitalize the Parliament Museum. The museum, intended to occupy an open area of approximately 5,000-6,000 square meters, aims to serve as an educational resource for the public. Mr. Phradorn emphasized the importance of maximizing the utility of public tax funds, with the total budget for the museum estimated between 120-130 million baht, spread across two fiscal years.
Mr. Phradorn also discussed the need to renovate the new 1,500-seat conference room located on the B2 floor. This facility is envisioned as a training center for the House of Representatives and the Senate, potentially saving significant costs currently incurred through hotel rentals for similar events. The budget for this project has been reduced from an initial proposal of 160-170 million baht to 99 million baht, with a focus on upgrading the sound system and seating.
The deputy speaker clarified that all budget requests are preliminary drafts for the fiscal year 2026 and have yet to undergo a detailed review. A special committee will evaluate the proposals to ensure fiscal responsibility, with the power to amend or reduce budgets as needed.
Addressing criticisms of the Parliament Museum's current state, Mr. Phradon agreed with the characterization of the space as a "graveyard" and committed to transforming it into a vibrant, functional museum. He also reiterated the necessity of completing the conference room project, originally part of the parliament's construction plan, to optimize its use and reduce operational expenses.
Mr. Phradon acknowledged public scrutiny over the budget and welcomed it as a means to ensure accountability and transparency in governmental spending. He reassured the public that any budgetary allocations would be carefully considered to maximize the effective use of tax revenue.