Bangkok: "Big Krieng" led the media on a tour of the Senate's dining hall, where senators paid for their own meals on the first day, starting with "roasted pork and crispy pork." He expressed confidence that this would significantly reduce the budget from 800 baht to 200 baht per person.

According to Thai News Agency, at noon today, the Senate opened its dining area on the 2nd floor, next to the Chanthra Meeting Room, for the first time, allowing Senators to purchase their own food. There were three food stalls available: a noodle shop selling tom yum soup and red pork rice, a dessert shop, and a Muslim food stall offering chicken biryani for 70 baht per box. Payment was made via scan-to-pay.

Senator Chaiyong Manirungsakul, who dined at the restaurant, revealed that there was sufficient food available, including rice, noodles, and desserts, but regretted that there was no fruit.

Meanwhile, General Kriengkrai Srirak, First Deputy Speaker of the Senate, also came to buy food, purchasing five boxes of roasted pork and crispy pork rice for his guests at 60 baht per box. He commented that it was delicious, giving a thumbs-up. He explained that the vendors will rotate based on member demand and don't necessarily have to be famous restaurants. The atmosphere was lively, offering a change of pace amidst the national crisis stemming from energy problems in the Middle East. This initiative will continue until things return to normal. Today was the first day, a trial period with 3-4 vendors, but in the future, a survey will be conducted to gauge member preferences and introduce other types of food. Members have been very cooperative.

However, it is believed that considerable budget savings can be achieved, from 800 baht per person per day to currently no more than 200 baht per person.

Regarding the issue of some members still disagreeing with paying for their own rice, General Kriengkrai said that it is necessary to reach an understanding through the various committees, which the Senate whips have already voted on. If the country returns to normalcy, the free food arrangements may be reinstated. This is partly due to the convenience of holding meetings. Currently, we are focusing on resolving the nation's economic crisis, and everyone is cooperating.