Bangkok: Sophon Saram, Speaker of the House of Representatives, chaired a pivotal meeting with parliamentary officials to discuss strategies aimed at reducing electricity consumption by 30%. The meeting, attended by Mr. Siroj Paetphan, Secretary-General of the House, and directors from various departments, emphasized the need for cohesive efforts in conserving both electricity and water within the Parliament premises.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sophon highlighted the importance of collaboration and addressed a cultural weakness in Thailand, where individuals in power often become overconfident, negatively impacting the country. He urged civil servants to adhere to regulations with a sense of family spirit and kindness. Mr. Sophon emphasized that personal accolades, whether received with or without fanfare, hold the same value if individuals perform their duties effectively and collaboratively.

Mr. Sophon drew an analogy, comparing the role of civil servants to a tall, straight tree that attracts wildlife, stating that he would uphold justice for them. He shared his disdain for unnecessary formalities, recounting an incident from his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister where he discouraged people from standing in the sun for ceremonial welcomes. He stressed the importance of focusing on substance rather than formality, advocating for improvements in areas that need change.

Discussing energy conservation, Mr. Sophon expressed concerns over the Parliament building's complex design, questioning its efficiency and maintenance challenges. He outlined two approaches for energy saving: fostering a spirit of responsibility where actions are taken proactively, and implementing tangible conservation measures. Mr. Sophon set a target to reduce energy consumption by 30%, suggesting practical steps like reducing the electricity bill from 10,000 baht to 7,000 baht and optimizing the use of natural light over artificial lighting.

Additionally, Mr. Sophon called for the establishment of measures and plans to create a visionary new era for Parliament, even if they cannot be fully implemented. He advocated for regular feedback from civil servants, drawing from his past practice of dining with them bi-monthly to discuss their work. Furthermore, he proposed initiatives to reduce plastic bag usage and tap water consumption within the Parliament area to minimize waste and environmental impact.