National Legislative Assembly (NLA) president Pornpetch Witchitcholchai says he will not allow malfeasance on his watch during construction of the new parliament complex on Kiakkai Road.
His statement comes after Wilas Chantharapithak, a former Democrat Party MP for Bangkok, raised questions over the 1.7-billion-baht in funds set aside for the information technology system to be installed at the complex.
Mr Pornpetch said authorities had earlier assessed the cost of building the new parliament building at 18 billion baht. But he said the construction contract, signed five years ago for 12 billion baht, omitted certain equipment.
The missing 6 billion baht includes 3.5 billion for IT and air-conditioning, among other systems.
However, Mr Pornpetch said the 6-billion-baht figure has since risen to 8 billion, as the IT cost, quoted five years ago, is different than today and does not cover the most up-to-date system.
The new IT system is needed to render the complex a "smart parliament", said Mr Pornpetch. Construction of a 2,000-space car park has been completed but space accommodating an additional 1,000 cars is needed to comply with City Hall regulations.
The budget hike needs to secure approval from the Bureau of the Budget, while the Office of the Auditor-General of Thailand must examine the spending, he said.
"Any criticism must be examined," said Mr Pornpetch. "I announced clearly that I will not allow any malfeasance to happen."
Responding to media questions that the criticism is hurting the parliament's image, Mr Pornpetch said his reputation has not been damaged by the issue.
He said he would be vigilant to ensure the project is corruption-free.
Mr Pornpetch further said he would order officials to speed up the probe into any alleged malfeasance in connection with the parliament construction project, which is yet to be completed.
He said oversight mechanisms would be in place for any additional funding sought for the complex, adding he thanked Mr Wilas for helping scrutinise the project.
Mr Pornpetch said he had instructed officials taking care of the project to speed up construction as the royally owned land for the existing parliament building on Uthong Nai Road needs be returned to the Bureau of the Royal Household, possibly later this year.