MPs are no longer required to wear suits in parliament following 'Sophon' issuing a dress code announcement aimed at energy saving, along with raising the air conditioning temperature inside the House of Representatives.
On 27 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that Mr. Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, issued a parliamentary announcement regarding MPs' attire during House sessions. He cited that due to the conflict and warfare in the Middle East region impacting the country’s energy and fuel situation—critical factors for citizens' livelihoods and the economy—the House has implemented stringent energy reduction measures, including raising the air conditioning temperature within the parliamentary premises.
Therefore, while no formal parliamentary dress code regulation for MPs exists under Section 181, Paragraph 2 of the House of Representatives Meeting Rules 2019, relying on powers under Sections 9 (2) and (3) of the same rules, the Speaker announced that MPs may wear traditional Thai clothing or plain-colored shirts with neckties and long trousers or modest skirts, without the necessity of wearing suits. This remains effective until the situation stabilizes and returns to normal.
