To mark the 90th anniversary of the adoption of the parliamentary system, the House launched a series of lectures, forums and exhibitions at Sappaya Saphasathan, the brand new parliament complex overlooking the Chao Phraya River, from June 27 to July 8.
The milestone should have rejuvenated the nation's democratic aspirations. Instead, the week was marred by complaints over "stolen" meals and faulty construction work.
Last Thursday, MP Rangsima Rodrassamee drew public attention when she asked House Speaker Chuan Leekpai to forbid MPs from taking meals offered to them during meetings from the canteen.
In a nationally broadcasted session, she said some MPs were seen taking bags containing meals home, leaving nothing but rice and fried eggs for other lawmakers, calling the "food hoarding" an abuse of taxpayers' money.
"They also raided refrigerators and snatched milk and water. For heaven's sake, leave some for other people," she said.
Ms Rangsima, backed by a number of MPs from the Move Forward Party led by Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, then asked the House to review the meal budget for MPs and their staff during parliamentary sessions.
Her complaint might seem trivial, but meals for MPs and their staff cost taxpayers around 87 million baht each year -- or 861 baht for each person per day. Our lawmakers should not take this issue lightly and the House speaker must step in to ensure MPs have only what they are entitled to.
Make no mistake, MPs and senators deserve to eat quality meals, but the parliament's food budget must reflect their actual needs, not gluttony or greed.
Another complaint related to the quality of construction work in the complex, which was said to be not up to scratch.
Last Friday, former Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong wrote to the chairman of the committee overseeing the parliament building's construction, Sathit Prasertsak, warning him about substandard work at the new complex.
His petition followed reports that Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (Stecon), the company contracted to construct the complex, was preparing to hand the building over to the government, despite claims that many flaws remain unaddressed.
The complex -- which cost 18 billion baht to build -- has been dogged by bad press since construction began.
Despite being fitted with a luxurious gym and a karaoke lounge, MPs have complained about water leakages, flooding in certain areas, substandard sound systems and mosquitos causing problems in the main assembly chamber.
Others allege the contractor used substandard materials which significantly differed from what was stipulated in the contract.
In fact, there were so many issues regarding the complex's construction that the company had to renegotiate the handover date four times.
Regardless of the excuses, House speaker Mr Chuan has one obligation -- he has to adequately explain to the public why there are still reports of substandard construction work, leaks, and other faults in a complex that cost so much to construct.
Our lawmakers should remember that Sappaya Sappasathan should be a symbol of our democracy, not a subject of ridicule.
