Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has addressed concerns regarding the request for a budget to renovate the parliament building. He asserted that it is normal for such a request to be made, emphasizing that the building experiences heavy usage, which leads to deterioration over time.
According to Thai News Agency, the public raised concerns due to the fact that the parliament building, constructed only six years ago, already requires additional funding for renovations. Anutin clarified that the budget increase was not for renovations per se but for the construction of a museum. He mentioned that he had consulted Paradorn Prisananantakul, the 3rd Vice President of the Parliament, who is responsible for the museum, and stated that he was not aware of further construction results.
When questioned about the apparent deterioration of the building after just six years, Anutin explained that the parliament is heavily utilized by approximately 10,000 users. This includes officials, parliamentarians, and members of the public who engage with government services and participate in various activities. Such extensive use naturally leads to wear and tear, necessitating maintenance, renovation, and improvements, such as the elevators which are operated thousands of times daily.
Regarding the construction company initially responsible for building the parliament, Anutin distanced himself from any related issues, stating, “What does it have to do with me? I don’t know. I’ve been out for a long time.”