MP meal allowances to face cutsHouse Speaker Sophon ZarumParliament is preparing to reduce meal allowances for MPs following growing public criticism over perceived excessive welfare spending, with changes expected after the government delivers its policy statement or after the Songkran holiday, House Speaker Sophon Zarum said yesterday. Speaking after a meeting of the Executive Committee on Budget, Finance and Assets of Parliamentary Agencies, Mr Sophon described the issue as urgent and requiring concrete action. As an interim measure, he has instructed the House Secretariat to scale back food orders to better reflect actual attendance, as part of a broader effort to curb unnecessary spending within the legislature. The Speaker also addressed concerns over MPs' compliance with the parliamentary dress code, saying existing rules may be revised to align with energy-saving policies, particularly regarding air-conditioning use in the parliament complex. While some flexibility has been allowed, updated guidelines are expected to ensure appropriate standards.

Source: Bangkok Post March 28, 2026 01:44 UTC