The People's Party has launched a battle over the 1.6 billion baht AI budget. "Ice" sharply criticized the prime minister's complete silence and reluctance to confront his close associates, challenging the submission of evidence linking Thanathorn and Piyabutr to bid rigging.
On 15 June 2026 at the parliament during a Cabinet meeting shadowed by the People's Party, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, Chair of the Parliamentary Commission on Budget Management and Oversight, announced progress on filing a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the TH-AI Passport project valued over 1.6 billion baht. She said once the documents are ready, she will submit them immediately, expected before 1 July, the registration opening date set by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES).
Ms. Rakchanok emphasized that the main target of this investigation is the "political side." She called on Mr. Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to openly take responsibility rather than hide behind the permanent secretary or private companies. If any irregularities are found, the project should be canceled immediately. She also strongly questioned Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul about his silence on this matter, noting that he has previously halted several large projects, but remains quiet on this one—raising the suspicion that he might be unwilling to confront his "own people." She warned that any officials who willingly assist in whitewashing the project will face legal action.
Regarding public speculation fueled by photos showing private company Plan B together with Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, leaders of the Progressive Movement, Ms. Rakchanok affirmed that these photos do not affect her work. Her ultimate goal is to see the project terminated to protect national interests. She openly challenged anyone with evidence that Thanathorn or Piyabutr are involved in corruption or bid rigging of this project to submit such information to her. She pledged to submit it to the NACC for investigation under the same standards, regardless of whether the individuals are insiders or outsiders.