Chaiyachonok is not stressed after intense scrutiny of the TH-AI Passport project. He confirms the project will continue without delay and supports ongoing audits, stressing that the initiative aims to enable Thai people to access AI on equal footing with neighboring countries.
On 29 May 2026 at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Chaiyachonok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), addressed opposition calls to postpone the TH-AI Passport project pending audits by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He affirmed the project would proceed to avoid further delays, expressing confidence that the audit process can run concurrently and welcoming transparency.
When asked about claims that the project was concealed until after the bidding process and is set to launch in June, Mr. Chaiyachonok stated there was no intention to hide or withhold information and he welcomes audits. Regarding the private company that won the bid, which is connected to multiple previous government contracts under the Bhumjaithai administration, he deferred to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society for clarification, as he was not fully informed.
“Personally, I am not stressed by the audits but rather worried that the project will not be widely adopted and people won’t use it enough. Everyone can see the project’s good intent: to support Thai people in accessing AI equally with neighboring countries. Currently, AI usage among Thai workers is below the global average. According to Global AI Adoption 2024 data, only about 10% of Thai workers access AI, compared to 23% in Vietnam and 69% in Singapore, with the global average at just over 16%. This shows Thailand is behind the global average and must accelerate AI adoption to remain competitive.”
Mr. Chaiyachonok said the project primarily targets 18- to 23-year-olds but also focuses on first-time job seekers and current workforce members, especially recent graduates entering the economy who can immediately enhance their work capabilities using AI. The project is not only about providing access to AI but about enabling practical use to boost daily life productivity—particularly learning prompting skills, using AI for analysis, content creation, efficiency, and economic productivity growth. It is not intended to be just a new tool for searching information.