Construction of the new parliament complex in Kiak Kai area of Bangkok, originally set for completion in late 2015, is way behind schedule and is unlikely to be finished until some time in 2017.
Jarae Pruangpan, secretary of the House of Representatives, revealed the slow progress on Friday after visiting the construction site of the 12-billion-baht structure and being briefed by the project contractor.
He said work was only 11.76% complete as of June 12 while the target was to complete 78.03% of the construction work by that date.
There were two major problems. The first involved earth excavation, earth removal and sinking of underground supporting pillars. The earthworks were originally due to take three to four months, but this had been extended to 13 to 14 months.
The second concerned the acquiring of the needed 123 rai of land in Kiak Kai. About eight rai had still not been handed over.
Yothin Burana School had not finished the transfer of its land, and this was expected to be complete between August and October.
The Textile Organisation community had not yet handed over its land because its new buildings were not finished. It was expected to transfer the land late this year.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had not finished demolishing a library on its land. It would transfer the land in September.
Mr Jarae said these problems all contributed to the huge delay.
It was now expected the new parliament complex would be completed in 2017. The contractor was in the process of seeking an extension of time from the office of the secretariat of the House of Representatives, Mr Jarae said.