The parliamentary cafeteria was lively as MPs flocked with lunchboxes, buying their own lunches. Sophon, the parliamentary speaker, also purchased his own meal and plans to call a meeting on MPs' lunch welfare on Monday, 30 March.
At 12:00 noon on 25 Mar 2026 at the parliament, reporters observed that following public pressure to cut MPs' food budget, the Bhumjaithai party resolved that its MPs should bring their own meals instead of eating food provided at official parliamentary receptions. The lunch atmosphere in the parliamentary cafeteria was lively, with MPs from several parties buying their own meals, mostly eating in groups. Many brought lunchboxes to eat in parliament and showed them to reporters, including Chana Wut Utto, Kalasin MP from Pheu Thai, and Romtham Khamnurak, party-list MP from Bhumjaithai.
Chana Wut opened his lunchbox for reporters and said that choosing whether to eat food prepared by parliament or buying one's own meal is a personal matter. Even if a party or group decides otherwise, each MP's privilege should be respected. MPs should recognize that using taxpayers' money requires sacrifice. Therefore, he brought his own lunchbox containing fried rice, stir-fried glass noodles, and fried pork.
Meanwhile, Dr. Warong Dechkitvikrom, party-list MP and leader of the Thai Pakdee party, bought lunch at the cafeteria, ordering minced pork basil with fried egg. He said he plans to try food from every stall to promote the cafeteria's vendors. He expressed satisfaction that many MPs brought lunchboxes today, showing good public consciousness. Regarding political activist Sontiya Sawatdee's challenge to eat at the cafeteria daily, Warong said he had been eating there before the challenge. When asked why previous calls to reduce MPs' food budgets had not succeeded, Warong replied that one must genuinely commit, showing true intention by refusing free meals. If done sincerely, the public would support it. He added that on 30 March, the parliamentary speaker will meet with political parties to discuss MPs' food, hoping for concrete solutions to end free lunches.
Sophon Sarum, parliamentary speaker, also came down to eat at the parliamentary cafeteria and revealed that he has eaten there every day since the parliamentary session opened. He said the food is delicious, served hot and ready to eat, and the cafeteria atmosphere is good. Regarding whether MPs will eat in the cafeteria regularly, a meeting on this matter is scheduled for next Monday.
When asked about the large number of Bhumjaithai MPs eating lunch there today, Sophon said, "They already have a party resolution." He added that he ordered just one dish today but assured that anyone who eats here will become a regular.
