BANGKOK, THAILAND – A dispute over free food in Thailand’s parliament sparked a wave of outrage across the country, as well-paid lawmakers clung to taxpayer-funded meals and described their removal as an insult.
Privilege curb for politicians
Members of parliament in Thailand earned more than 100,000 baht a month. Despite that income, taxpayers had long financed their meals during parliamentary sessions. After intense public criticism, lawmakers pulled the plug on 15 March and abolished free food for themselves.
Since the Songkran festival, MPs had to pay for their own lunches. Parliamentary president Sophon Saram ordered that food and drinks would still be provided, but now charged. The era of self-service at state expense was intended to come to an end.
Senator fights for free bites
In the Senate, however, there was fierce resistance to the austerity move. Senator Prathum Wongsawat expressed anger over the looming end of free catering. She and many of her colleagues firmly rejected the scrapping of complimentary meals.
Prathum proposed cutting the budget or reducing portion sizes instead of ending free food entirely. The online backlash followed quickly. Many citizens saw the politicians’ stance as detached from reality and arrogant.
Food as a question of honor
The senator defended her position with an argument widely described as bizarre. During the sitting, she stressed that the dispute was not about saving money. For her, the free buffet in parliament symbolized the dignity of her office.
“It is not about the money, but about honor. I am fully capable of taking care of myself, but in this matter it is about honor as a senator.”
said Prathum Wongsawat, senator.
This statement caused even greater disbelief among many hard-working Thais. For numerous observers, the comments exposed a deep gap in values between the political class and ordinary citizens.
Mockery and scorn online
On social media, anger toward the senator erupted. Commentators asked sarcastically since when the honor of a representative depended on the contents of a plate. Many argued that genuine honor came from hard work and service to the public.
One user joked that he now finally knew that free food made people honorable. Another asked directly how a lawmaker with a top salary could not afford a simple lunch. The distance between the public and the country’s leadership appeared huge in this debate.
Tax hike talk amid luxury attitude
Adding to public frustration, the Senate was also considering tax increases. A committee proposed raising value added tax from 7 to 10 percent. While politicians fought over their free schnitzel, citizens faced the prospect of higher costs for everyday shopping.
The government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin moved to calm the situation, at least for now. Officials stated there were currently no plans to raise taxes. The administration said it was focusing on keeping living expenses stable and easing the burden on the population.