Ice Rakchanok urges Chaichanok to halt the Thailand AI Passport project, threatening to submit a complaint to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) if it proceeds. She observes that the Terms of Reference (TOR) benefit a group close to the government and lock the specifications, and calls for information to be provided to the budget oversight committee on 18 June.
On 2 June 2026, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, a party-list Member of Parliament (MP) for the Prachachon Party, spoke regarding Minister Chaichanok Chidchob of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society's statement about reviewing the project. Thailand AI Passport. She expressed hope that the project would be paused, even if compensation must be paid to the winning bidder, arguing that such payment would be worthwhile to protect the greater public interest. She urged Minister Chaichanok to shelve the project to avoid potential legal issues with the NACC or further damage to his reputation. The best course is to pause and conduct a thorough review to close loopholes, including the TOR that appears to lock specifications in favor of a single party, who has repeatedly received government contracts from ministers of the Bhumjaithai Party. This is a major factor causing public distrust. She also noted that details on token payment calculations remain unclear and reaffirmed the Prachachon Party’s position to urgently cancel the project, as they have full authority to do so.
Mr. Theerachart Kattarakul, former party-list candidate for the Prachachon Party, added that instead of pursuing this project, the 1.6 billion baht could be better invested elsewhere rather than wasted on leases. He noted an unplanned convergence of IT professionals voicing concerns. Thailand often consumes technology but, despite Thailand 4.0, government policies have not fully supported digital entrepreneurs, who need to connect with other industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and tourism for sustainable development. He cited Singapore, which does not simply purchase technology but establishes centers to develop AI talent, using AI as a tool. Progress depends on users. The key is enhancing the country's competitiveness; otherwise, success will depend on connections rather than merit. He questioned what kind of growth and values the country and future generations should embrace. Where past generations might have lived on basic materials, this generation might rely on applications. Transforming the project into a sustainable one would yield better outcomes. Previous projects have been cancelled before, and established procedures exist for that.
Ms. Rakchanok said that if the project proceeds, 1.6 billion baht will definitely be lost. She questioned whether 5 million people would truly benefit from AI usage, suspecting the project is designed to benefit specific capital groups close to certain government figures rather than the public. The crux lies in the TOR, which clearly locks specifications to favor a provider with nationwide screens. She clarified she is not accusing anyone but pointed out this clear locking of specifications. Generally, public relations projects specify reach in their TORs based on standard principles, which this project does not follow. Conversely, the call center part uses typical TOR principles.
Regarding compensation amounts, Ms. Rakchanok said this should be clarified with the Comptroller General’s Department but that paying a smaller amount to preserve the larger public funds would be beneficial. She recalled cancelling other projects to increase funding for the DE Fund project up to 1.6 billion baht, showing that such actions are feasible.
On whether the matter would be brought to the NACC, Ms. Rakchanok confirmed that once registration begins, the budget oversight committee will invite the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, the Permanent Secretary, DE Fund executives, the TOR drafting committee, the Office of the Auditor General, the NACC, the Comptroller General’s Department, and all related agencies to explain the pending issues on 18 June. The NACC will also be called upon to acknowledge any irregularities in the project. Afterward, the number of registrants will be known; if low and accompanied by usage problems, this will constitute sufficient evidence to file a complaint with the NACC for investigation.
She expressed hope that Minister Chaichanok, who has publicly stated his readiness to clarify all accusations and concerns, will attend the budget oversight committee meeting. Since ministers routinely prepare to answer parliamentary questions on Thursdays, attending this session should not be burdensome. An official invitation has been sent. If he does not attend, the media should ask why he fears providing explanations to the committee. If everything is transparent and fully explainable, there is nothing to fear. Currently, his reputation is damaged, and questions arise about his competence as the digital economy minister. She is ready to provide a platform for him to restore his reputation. If he answers all questions satisfactorily, the public will be willing to listen and offer support. Ms. Rakchanok concluded her remarks.