Thailand’s Parliament was rocked, literally, when an empty tin can of pasteurised milk plunged from the ceiling during a joint sitting, narrowly missing a group of MPs.
The bizarre incident yesterday, January 14, has left security measures under intense scrutiny and raised serious questions about safety within the legislative chamber.
Deputy House Speaker Paradorn Prissanananthakul addressed the issue during today’s House meeting, confirming that CCTV footage showed the can falling from the ceiling, and landing behind Pheu Thai MPs’ seating rows.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t a bomb.”
Paradorn attributed the incident to possible negligence during the construction of the Parliament building. The can’s expiry date of 2020 suggested it had been left behind during construction five years ago.
Pheu Thai MP Wirat Pimpanit called for an immediate investigation, prompting Paradorn to explain that maintenance work on the ceiling during the parliamentary recess likely dislodged the can.
“What if a piece of wood were to fall on MPs?”
Wirat urged thorough safety inspections.
Cholnan Srikaew, a Pheu Thai MP from Nan province, criticised Paradorn’s bomb comment, stating it caused unnecessary alarm.
“This place should have better security. What if it had been a bomb? Don’t assume it couldn’t happen. People are unpredictable these days.”
Cholnan called for enhanced security protocols, including bomb detection measures, to prevent potential threats.
Paradorn assured MPs that his remark was a serious call to action, not a joke, and vowed to prioritise security improvements in the budgets for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
“Imagine if someone with malicious intent brought something inside,” Cholnan added.
The falling tin can has turned the spotlight on Parliament’s safety standards, with calls for immediate reforms to prevent a potential catastrophe in the future, reported The Nation.
In related news, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers dashed to the scene after a resident made a chilling discovery at the iCon Group office in Soi Ramintra 9, Bang Khen district, Bangkok. What first appeared to be a hazardous bomb left locals trembling in shock but turned out to be a well-crafted fake.
The story Milk can mayhem: Tin can falls from Parliament ceiling as seen on Thaiger News.
