Sophon inspected the dining and media rooms before the parliamentary session opening, stressing the need for quality and fair pricing. He ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee regarding the 500,000 baht payment allegation for the PPR 30 course, revealing he had previously received verbal explanations from the King Prajadhipok's Institute secretary-general.
At 12:30 p.m. on 24 August 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Sophon Sarum, Speaker of the House of Representatives. He walked through the dining area on B2 floor of the parliament building to inspect readiness ahead of the second ordinary session starting 25 August. During the inspection, he greeted vendors selling food, who had organized a fair-themed event inside the dining area for visitors to participate.
Later, Sophon said that since the parliament does not provide food for members of parliament (MPs), and he had received complaints from MPs about limited food variety and quality, he inspected to ensure food quality matched the price, aiming to please and facilitate fellow members.
Regarding the area around the Emerald Pond where vendors periodically set up booths, he is developing regulations to ensure proper use of the space. Damaged or worn items must be maintained, and necessary improvements made to maximize benefits. He also inspected the media room, adding there might be monthly meetings between the legislature and media, involving the Speaker, deputies, or MPs, in a discussion format.
Ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee on the 500,000 baht allegation for the PPR 30 course.
As chairman of the King Prajadhipok's Institute Council, Sophon also addressed allegations of a 500,000 baht payment linked to admission to the King Prajadhipok's Institute’s advanced political governance certificate course for senior executives, cohort 30 (PPR 30). He said he was aware of accusations involving the institute’s secretary-general. When the allegations arose, he requested verbal explanations. However, with ongoing media attention, as chairman of the institute council, he must establish a committee to investigate the truth regarding the secretary-general and to protect the institute’s reputation, which bears the royal name. If proven true, it would be unacceptable, but fairness must be given to all parties. He has already told the secretary-general to clarify his position, after which a credible fact-finding committee will conduct the investigation.
Had already requested verbal explanations from the King Prajadhipok's Institute secretary-general.
“Since the issue arose, I asked the institute’s secretary-general to explain at the institute council meeting. He verbally stated the matter was a misunderstanding and provided documents withdrawing the complaint for me to review. This was somewhat acceptable since there were documents, but it was a one-sided explanation. Therefore, the fact-finding process will proceed quickly.”
When asked if the secretary-general would have to resign if the allegations are true, Sophon laughed and said, “Oh, don’t jump to conclusions yet. We must be fair. If we have preconceived notions, fairness cannot be ensured. The committee will conduct the investigation. This matter is taken seriously because we respect the institute. Without good governance, such an institution would lose credibility.”
When pressed whether the previous explanation from the secretary-general was insufficient to forgo the committee’s investigation, Sophon said he saw media reports and received information. As chairman, he did not ignore it. Following government official protocols, he requested explanations. But since new reports surfaced over the past 2-3 days, further explanation is no longer sufficient. The investigation committee must be formed. If wrongdoing is found, disciplinary action will follow according to official procedures.
Emphasized the need to establish the truth and ensure fairness for all parties.
When asked about the investigation timeframe, Sophon said he must first hear from the institute council committee before bringing it up in a meeting. Asked if the secretary-general would continue duties during the investigation, Sophon replied it is currently fact-finding. If grounds exist, formal inquiry will follow according to administrative procedures. Sometimes the investigation committee’s findings are used by others to proceed with disciplinary steps.
Regarding criticism that most candidates for the institute’s courses are selected based on connections rather than qualifications, Sophon said it must be investigated. Previously he did not know the situation, but since assuming his position and setting policies for the institute, he acknowledged that networking happens but stressed the importance of applying knowledge gained to both private and public sectors. He also mandated that civil servants attending courses must attend all sessions as scheduled; no make-up classes are allowed to complete the course since government funds are used. Previously make-up classes were allowed, but under his policy, they are not.