New Parliament House opens under wary eyes

Parliament speaker Chuan Leekpai has ordered tight security at the new Parliament House in Bangkok’s Kiak Kai area for an inaugural meeting on Monday.

He declined when asked by reporters to make any comment on Friday morning’s bomb and arson attacks in the city, saying only that citizens should be vigilant about possible further attacks.

Chuan said Janthra Hall at the new Parliament House was ready for use.

The building’s voting and audio systems were ready for use by both MPs and senators in their meetings, Chuan said, urging that they be used with care.