Sophon Sarum has upgraded Parliament security measures, enforcing strict controls on individuals and vehicles. Firearms are strictly prohibited without exception, including for MPs and their aides. Plans are underway to sign an MOU with the police to exchange security information.
13 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, held a meeting to issue directives on enhancing security measures within the Parliament building to executives of the Secretariat of the House of Representatives. Present were Mr. Siroj Phaetphan, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives; Mr. Jets Anukulphokharat, Director of the Security Office; and other relevant officials.
Mr. Sophon stated that security measures have been in place at the Parliament, but he wants to intensify their enforcement. He therefore aims to review and update regulations, as well as add practical measures covering legal, regulatory, and procedural aspects comprehensively. For screening, vehicles entering and exiting the Parliament must have authorized passes or stickers; without them, a mission must be reported and pre-approval obtained. Public transport, taxis, motorcycles, and food delivery riders must exchange badges before entry and park only in designated areas.
The Speaker added that everyone entering or leaving must clearly display identification badges. He believes the Parliament should have clear standards applied systematically, without case-by-case exceptions that weaken security. All inside the Parliament building—including MPs, staff, aides, and outsiders—must pass through X-ray scanners. Carrying firearms inside is strictly forbidden; any found will be confiscated immediately and reported to superiors. Facilities will be arranged for storing and returning confiscated items according to established rules. Additionally, unrelated aides or outsiders are not allowed into MPs' meeting or reception rooms. Patrol teams will be organized to inspect vulnerable or blind spots within the Parliament building.
Plans are underway to prepare a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Royal Thai Police to exchange information and coordinate security efforts, aiming for more effective incident response and information sharing. The legal department has been tasked with reviewing existing regulations and proposing improvements before public notification. The Speaker emphasized that this security upgrade is a systematic readiness measure aligned with standards for key legislative sites, not a reaction to any particular incident or trend.