Politics
Concerns Raised Over Maintenance and Sanitation at Thailand's Parliament Building
Deputy House Speaker Mallika Jiraphanvanich inspected the Parliament's cafeteria following a ceiling collapse and reports of foul odors, ordering immediate corrective actions.
On September 16, 2026, Deputy House Speaker Mallika Jiraphanvanich conducted an inspection of the B2-level cafeteria at the Thai Parliament building. The visit followed a recent incident where a section of the ceiling collapsed, raising questions regarding the structural integrity of the multi-billion baht facility.
During the inspection, Mallika confirmed that initial repairs to the ceiling have been completed, though she noted that the work is not yet 100% finalized. While she praised staff for their prompt response to the collapse, she acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding the building's maintenance, stating that she remains vigilant about potential issues in other areas. Additionally, following feedback from cafeteria users regarding a persistent, unpleasant odor resembling garbage, Mallika issued an immediate directive to relevant personnel to identify and resolve the source of the smell.
For residents and visitors who frequent the Parliament complex, these incidents highlight ongoing maintenance challenges within the relatively new facility. While the immediate safety concerns regarding the ceiling have been addressed, the long-term structural stability and sanitation standards remain under scrutiny. It is yet to be confirmed whether the ceiling collapse was caused by water leakage or other structural defects, as Mallika indicated that further assessments by engineers or the Department of Public Works are required to determine the root cause.
