Nattapong retorts that if the government wants constructive debates, ministers should answer questions live in parliament without waiting for scripts. He hints the opposition is ready with a team to thoroughly examine the Budget Transfer Act and the 2027 budget bill.
On 21 June 2026, Nattapong Rueangpanyawut, party-list MP and leader of the People’s Party as opposition leader in the House of Representatives, spoke at parliament about the Digital and AI policy vision event today, where experts exchanged views while the government advances the TH-AI Passport project. He said the main goal is to show IT industry insiders and the public how Thailand can benefit from properly implemented AI policies. Regardless of what Thailand’s AI plan looks like now, it must meet the following objectives.
1. Thailand must change its status from being a buyer to becoming a creator.
2. Investment in any strategy or industry should create ripple effects benefiting other industrial sectors.
3. Thailand must increase its bargaining power on the global stage, as currently we are under the new world order and pressured by major powers.
Therefore, Thailand’s way forward is to invest wisely and address these three objectives.
Regarding preparations for reviewing the 2026 Budget Transfer Act and the 2027 annual budget bill, Nattapong said the opposition has a nearly ready team of debaters. The key point is that Thailand’s fiscal space is shrinking. It is critical to invest wisely, with AI being one focus. Today’s discussion also relates to the semiconductor industry, for which the prime minister has formed a board. We are closely watching both projects and budgets proposed to the House to determine if they meet the needs of future industries.
Asked about the government’s desire for constructive opposition debates, Nattapong said he also wants to see constructive answers to questions. “I expect constructive answers mean ministers must be present in parliament to listen to MPs’ debates and respond live immediately without waiting for scripts prepared by civil servants.”
When asked if security would be prepared in case of protests, Nattapong replied that usually there is already a team of MPs well-versed in parliamentary procedures ready for all major debates.