Thai House speaker ‘100% confident’ after September 13 ceiling collapse
Sophon Saram links Thailand’s parliament ceiling collapse to condensation and small screw heads, rejecting a connection to the expired building warranty.
- House Speaker Sophon Saram expressed “100%” confidence in the safety of Thailand’s parliament after the B2 canteen ceiling collapse on September 13, 2026.
- Sophon attributed the parliament ceiling failure to condensation and small screw heads, citing public works officials’ findings.
- Sophon said ceiling sections along parliament’s air-conditioning pipes would receive extra attention following officials’ recommendations.
House Speaker Sophon Saram has expressed “100%” confidence in the safety of Thailand’s parliament building in Bangkok following the B2 canteen ceiling collapse on Sunday (September 13, 2026). Sophon said an inspection by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning found the building’s main structure sound.
Sophon links ceiling collapse to air-conditioning condensation
Sophon attributed the failure to condensation from air-conditioning pipes above a recessed ceiling section in parliament’s B2 canteen. He described the panels in that area as Smart Board.
According to Sophon, the air conditioning had been kept running during a series of parliamentary meetings the previous week. When the system was switched off, condensation dripped from the pipes onto the ceiling, causing the panels to swell.
Sophon said the existing screw heads were also too small, allowing the panels to come loose. Public works officials recommended using screws with larger heads, he added.
Sophon said ceiling areas along the air-conditioning pipes would receive additional attention in line with public works officials’ recommendations. Other areas outside those moisture-affected recesses had no problems, he said.
Sophon rejects connection to parliament warranty expiry
Sophon rejected suggestions that the ceiling collapse was linked to the expiry of parliament’s building warranty. “The two are not related. Do not link them,” he said, adding that the failure had identifiable causes related to age and use.
Addressing concern among civil servants, parliamentary staff and visitors, Sophon said they should not worry excessively and stressed that overseeing the parliamentary offices and ensuring safety were part of his responsibilities.
Sophon said public works officials had found that the building met standards, with the problem arising from use. “Please have 100% confidence, because I have 100% confidence too,” he said.
September 13 collapse damaged furniture but injured no one
The September 13 collapse at the Sappaya-Sapasathan parliament complex in Bangkok’s Dusit district sent debris onto tables and chairs in the B2 canteen. No one was injured because the area was unoccupied that Sunday.
The B2 canteen at Thailand’s parliament normally serves members of parliament, senators, parliamentary staff and visitors.
