Bangkok: "Nanthana," accompanied by a new breed of senators, donned safety helmets and slammed the 20 billion baht parliament building for being unsafe due to a ceiling collapse. According to Thai News Agency, the incident has raised significant concerns about the structural integrity of one of the world's largest government buildings, with criticisms being voiced by prominent political figures.
Ms. Nantana Nantavaropas, alongside Mr. Sunthorn Phruksapipat, Lieutenant Commander Wuttipong Pongsuwan, Mr. Pornchai Wityalertphan, Ms. Maneerat Khemavong, and Mr. Wilas Chanpitak, former Democrat Party MPs, called a press conference following a ceiling collapse in the cafeteria area on floor B2 of the Parliament building. Ms. Nanthana emphasized the necessity of wearing helmets in the building due to safety concerns, highlighting the potential danger to Members of Parliament, staff, journalists, and other personnel.
The press conference also revisited past warnings that were overlooked. Ms. Nanthana recalled that concerns about the building's condition, such as flooding, broken toilets, cracked walls, and leaky ceilings, were raised as early as July. She questioned why the contractor, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited, was not engaged earlier to address these issues, especially with the warranty expiring in July 2024.
Mr. Sunthorn Phruksapipat voiced ongoing concerns about the building's security, referencing previous incidents of water leaks and the recent ceiling collapse. He highlighted the urgent need for a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of ensuring everyone's safety within the premises.
Lieutenant Commander Wuttipong Pongsuwan addressed health concerns linked to mold infestation in air conditioning ducts. He underscored the lack of proper inspections and called for scientific solutions to the problems rather than relying on superstition.
The repeated structural issues in the Parliament building, as noted by Mr. Pornchai Wityalertphan, have become a source of embarrassment, especially with the building frequently hosting foreign visitors. He advocated for transparency and accountability, suggesting the formation of an independent committee to inspect risk areas and track down defects.
Ms. Maneerat Khemavong raised concerns about security, particularly regarding CCTV cameras in blind spots, given the high volume of visitors to the Parliament building.
Mr. Wilas Chanpitak highlighted that previous incidents of ceiling collapses and water leaks went unreported, with more than ten occurrences to date. He called for accountability and urged the Speaker of Parliament to claim damages from the contractor instead of using new public funds for repairs.
Summarizing the collective sentiment, Ms. Nantana reiterated the demand for accountability from the contractor and suggested involving external experts for a transparent investigation. She emphasized the need to restore the dignity of the Thai Parliament and ensure the safety and well-being of all who work or visit the building.