- May 4, 2021
- 3,386
| TYPE | Infrastructure |
| CLIENT | Thailand |
| PROJECT | Provincial Assembly |
| PROJECT COST | 3,739,000,000.00 |
| COMPLETION DATE | 07/05/2025 |
| PROJECT INFORMATION | Provincial Assembly Project Title: Provincial Assembly Project Code: TH-PRAM-001 Date of Approval: November 12, 2005 Version: 1.0 Approval and Endorsement Authorities
Project Overview
The 2003 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Thailand positions the nation as one of the most devolved and participatory unitary states in modern history. A particularly significant feature of this constitution is Article VI on Provincial Administration, which grants each province the right to self-governance and the authority to challenge directives or mandates from the central government, provided such challenges arise from the democratically expressed will of the people. This provision introduces an unprecedented degree of political devolution uncommon in traditional unitary states, effectively allowing Thailand to function at a quasi-federalist level. The Provincial Assembly plays a pivotal role in Thailand’s participatory democratic framework, enabling ordinary citizens to directly engage in the governance of their localities. Although each province has historically maintained a Provincial Assembly, these assemblies have lacked permanent facilities, as no dedicated buildings were established to house them. To address this longstanding oversight, it has been decided—after considerable delays—that permanent Provincial Assembly buildings will now be constructed in every province. Generally, the design of the Provincial Assembly embodies the principles of participatory democracy, socialist governance, and digital integration. The facility will function as a center for open dialogue, public engagement, and efficient governance, while emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and adaptability. Both the physical and digital infrastructures are designed to accommodate diverse populations, incorporate advanced technologies, and facilitate transparent decision-making processes The Main Building, also known as the Assembly Hall, encompassing 18,000 square meters, will be a circular, domed structure symbolizing inclusivity and equality. This design allows all representatives and citizens to face each other during deliberations. The hall will accommodate 150 to 400 representatives, depending on the size and population density of each province, with tiered seating arranged in concentric circles to promote visibility and engagement. An outer gallery will provide seating for up to 2,000 public observers, ensuring transparency and public participation during key sessions. At the center of the hall is the Digital Participation Sphere (DPS), a state-of-the-art, 360° interactive LED display. It will showcase live voting results, policy proposals, real-time public feedback, and interactive data visualizations during deliberations. Citizens’ inputs from digital platforms, such as polls or forums, will be projected onto the DPS in real time, ensuring public voices are integrated into the decision-making processes. Representatives and officials can interact with the DPS using touch interfaces on their desks or voice commands. The Public Participation Wing, encompassing 9,000 square meters, is a separate yet connected wing dedicated to citizen engagement. It will house a Participatory Democracy Forum (PDF), where residents can propose policies, deliberate, and submit referenda. Designed to foster direct interaction between the provincial administration and the public, it will feature a large, open space where citizens can actively participate in policymaking. A semi-circular amphitheater with seating for 1,000 citizens will be available, equipped with surround sound and live broadcasting systems. The amphitheater will serve as a venue for debates, public consultations, and workshops. Digital kiosks will be strategically placed throughout the wing, allowing citizens to submit proposals, vote on local initiatives, or access policy documents. Each kiosk will be equipped with multi-language options and accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. Virtual reality booths will be available, enabling citizens to simulate the outcomes of proposed policies, such as changes to urban planning or environmental impact assessments. This creates a tangible connection between governance and everyday life. Additionally, there will be dedicated offices for civil society organizations (CSOs) to collaborate with the assembly, ensuring that grassroots organizations have a physical presence in governance. The Administrative Wing will serve as the operational nerve center of the provincial assembly, where key officials and administrative staff work to coordinate governance within the area of 7,000 square meters. Head Coordinators, Facilitators, and the Provincial Assembly Speaker will share open-plan offices with administrative staff to encourage collaboration, with their work environments designed for ergonomics and featuring high-tech workstations. Meeting rooms will be equipped with telepresence systems for virtual collaboration with national and other provincial governments. Video conferencing capabilities will be available, integrated with live translation services to ensure smooth communication across diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The Administrative Wing will also be equipped with secure servers and biometric access points to safeguard sensitive data and ensure efficient digital operations. The Community Assembly Pavilion, spanning 5,000 square meters, will provide a dedicated space for representatives from districts (DAOs) and smaller communities (Mubans) to engage in governance and deliberations. Modular conference rooms with flexible designs will be available, capable of reconfiguring to host large meetings or smaller breakout sessions. These rooms will be equipped with live streaming technology, enabling citizens and other stakeholders to view discussions in real-time. Integrated digital whiteboards for collaborative policy development will also be provided. Additionally, there will be spaces where district-level and Muban representatives can collaborate and align their policies with provincial and national goals. Digital interfaces will allow representatives to directly access provincial and national governance platforms, submit reports, and propose initiatives. Facilities for community representatives to receive training in governance, policy-making, and digital tools will be available, enhancing their effectiveness. The Provincial Assembly is surrounded by open, inviting public spaces designed to encourage community interaction and highlight the connection between governance and the environment. Public parks, adorned with landscaped gardens featuring native Thai plants, will provide areas for relaxation, reflection, and informal gatherings. Walking paths and seating areas are designed to encourage citizens to spend time near the assembly, fostering a sense of ownership and connection. A large, open plaza in front of the building will serve as a venue for peaceful demonstrations, community events, and cultural celebrations. Outdoor screens and sound systems will broadcast live sessions of the assembly, ensuring citizens can participate even from outside the building. Green roofs and vertical gardens will enhance insulation and air quality, while rainwater-fed ponds and fountains will create ambiance and promote sustainable water use. CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure safety while maintaining privacy through anonymized monitoring. Biometric access is used for restricted areas. Dedicated team to protect digital platforms from unauthorized access or tampering is available. There will be an Open Government Lab, which is a collaborative space for citizen, researchers, and innovators to test and propose solutions for governance challenges. Weekly public events will take place where community members can pitch ideas to provincial representatives in a casual, market-like setting. Note: Cost per square meter is derived from the total construction cost of the Sappaya-Sapasathan, largest parliament building in the world. The cost is $1,565.99 per square meter. |
| ENCRYPTED | No |
