Bangkok: "Sophon" wants to end the school lunch drama with MPs. He calls for an end to the lunch drama among MPs, explaining that his initial reaction was that the speaker made the remark at the wrong time. He emphasizes that anything beneficial should be done and pleads against generalizing criticism of politicians. He asserts that any bad finger should be cut off. He believes the March 19 vote for Prime Minister will not be chaotic like the Speaker election, revealing that he monitors social media and has encountered criticism that even a simple vote can be chaotic and damages the image of Parliament. He views this as a challenge but stresses the need for full commitment.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon Saram, President of the Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, spoke about the merit-making ceremony after assuming the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives, saying that today marks his first day of work. He invited Somdej Phra Phutthacharn of Wat Traimit to chant Buddhist prayers for auspiciousness. He added that a good start for the civil servants and the workplace will lead to smooth sailing. He believes in this superstition because he uses Buddhist principles to guide both his personal life and his public service. He also mentioned that he had spoken with parliamentary officials and that they had a simple meal together today-noodles and fish maw soup-funded from his personal budget.
Mr. Sophon continued, saying that yesterday (March 16th), the interview he gave and the media's reporting took his words too far. He said he found it funny and amusing, but not about the suggestion to cut the budget for MPs' lunch programs. He found the person who debated inappropriate at the wrong time and place. He emphasized that he works for results, not for image, but in society, when people focus solely on images, with a mix of true and false information, to create a sense of urgency, it causes division and a lack of unity in society. Speaking at the wrong time is unproductive, as this issue has been discussed for a long time, and many parties in the previous administration raised it without any resolution.
Mr. Sophon continued, saying that when he started working, he became aware of this issue. What's funny is that people don't see it as a new issue, and that the timing is inappropriate. He then explained that it's ultimately up to the members; whatever they want, he will follow. He clarified that he wasn't there to correct misinformation but to elaborate on the facts, because the public might not see two perspectives: 1. Does the council provide welfare benefits to members? If so, are they appropriate? 2. If there are no welfare benefits, then once one volunteers, they shouldn't expect them. Therefore, a balance must be struck between what is appropriate and what is not. However, during his tenure, this issue needs to be addressed with reason, logic, and appropriateness.
Mr. Sophon stated that yesterday he also said that anything the people dislike or are tired of should not be done, because otherwise, trust cannot be built. He further elaborated that teamwork is essential, and that all three of them will set a good example. However, he clarified that he wasn't saying that in this era, Thailand has no hero who can solve the country's problems; only the cooperation of the people can solve them. Therefore, he made it clear that he wanted to convey to the public that any obstacles or issues that undermine the dignity of the parliament must be improved and corrected concretely. Thus, solving the country's problems is not about rhetoric, but about action.
Mr. Sophon continued, "The school lunch program is not the chairman's policy. It's a welfare budget allocated by the secretariat, which is included in the annual budget. If we don't want it, we can cut this budget. There's no need to set up a committee to consider this because it's within our authority. If it's within the secretariat's authority to propose something, I will decide where I can. But don't forget that collaborative work requires listening to the opinions of those involved, those who are implementing it. Therefore, it must be reasonable. Regarding welfare, this is a time of high living costs. This afternoon I'm also meeting on energy conservation measures. In this era, we should prepare for it. Which welfare benefits should be reduced? Which should remain and be modified? It's not about criticizing without knowing the facts or the intentions of the people working on it."
Mr. Sophon admitted that the past situation has led to a crisis of faith and trust because, in the past, there was more talk than action. This talk was often based on people's likes and dislikes, and lacked practical implementation. It was merely rhetoric aimed at gaining popularity, while actual actions failed to materialize.
Regarding whether he views it as a challenge to be the one to build confidence in this parliament, Mr. Sophon said he doesn't see it as a challenge, but rather as something that requires dedication and genuine effort. Whether he wins or loses, or whether he achieves the ideology he has set, is another matter. He says he has to consider all aspects.
When asked about the chairman's statement yesterday that the focus would be on action rather than words, Mr. Sophon acknowledged that was true. When further asked about the establishment of KPIs, evaluation methods, or performance assessments, he agreed that this was correct and that discussions would be necessary. He expressed a desire to see this parliament function effectively, emphasizing that freedom of speech and expression is not guaranteed, but that inappropriate comments should be avoided.
When asked whether the vote on the Prime Minister on March 19th would be chaotic like the election of the Speaker of the House, Mr. Sophon said that it would not be chaotic.