The DES subcommittee in parliament demands documents on the “TH AI-Passport” project and proposes a special task force to monitor it. Meanwhile, Isariya expresses concern over 1.6 billion baht flowing overseas to buy foreign tokens, fearing masked actors might exploit Thai AI data for their own benefit.
At 1:00 p.m. on 22 June 2026 at the parliament, Ms. Kadee Liaopairoj, a party-list MP from the Democrat Party and deputy chair of the Subcommittee on Enhancing Thailand's Digital Competitiveness under the Communications, Telecommunications and Digital Economy and Society Commission (DES) of the House of Representatives, along with the team, held a press conference on their meeting with 16 digital associations and organizations about the Ministry of DES’s TH AI-Passport project. She said the subcommittee has yet to receive several key documents, including the complete contract, the first delivery acceptance report, and the list of the acceptance committee. So far, they have only received a one-page cover sheet listing the authors of the TOR draft. The subcommittee does not oppose AI development or improving Thai people’s AI skills but has concerns about procurement processes, transparency, and certain TOR details.
Proposal to establish a “special project monitoring subcommittee”
The subcommittee is preparing a report with recommendations to submit to the DES Commission on 25 June, focusing on four key points:
1. Clearly defining the national AI master plan.
2. Adjusting the project model to build a domestic AI ecosystem instead of purchasing foreign services.
3. Protecting user data privacy and security.
4. Setting concrete success indicators (KPIs) to measure the project’s cost-effectiveness. The project should not merely buy usage rights and distribute them like “digital survival kits.” Instead, it should target key economic sectors with potential, such as tourism, SMEs, agriculture, traditional Thai medicine, and government services, to create long-term benefits and enhance the country’s competitiveness.
Additionally, the subcommittee will propose forming a dedicated oversight group for the TH AI-Passport project to ensure transparency, verify the expertise of the acceptance committee, and monitor significant contract amendments," Ms. Kadee said.
Concerns over funds flowing overseas to buy foreign tokens
Mr. Isariya Phairojrit, party-list MP from the Prachachon Party and deputy chair of the subcommittee, added that the subcommittee mostly shares the view that Thailand should develop and invest in AI. However, this project has several suspicious points that require further scrutiny. Notably, the 1.6 billion baht budget largely went toward buying tokens from foreign companies, causing most project funds to flow abroad. Alternatives exist, such as running AI models locally, which would save token costs, prevent capital outflow, and support Thai entrepreneurs. If Thai developers create AI products that meet domestic needs, it would build a local industry rather than leaving Thailand as just a buyer.
Fears over the security of Thai AI database
"Regarding data outflow, it is well known that the TH AI-Passport acts as a mask that routes user commands to service providers overseas. Thus, all input commands and AI-generated responses must pass through the TH AI-Passport. From another perspective, this means government surveillance overall, since the project can see the commands of 5 million users. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy has said that this data will be used to retrain AI. While this can be viewed positively, we must remember the recent election involved barcode scanning and attempts to track Thai people, with unknown parties involved. Data passing through the TH AI-Passport system may open channels for large-scale tracking of Thai citizens again, while previous issues remain unresolved. I urge the government to ensure that the data of these 5 million Thai users in this project will truly be secure," Isariya said. .
Calls for more thorough preparation to assist the government
Asked about Minister of the Prime Minister's Office Pradorn Prissanantakul’s request to separate the investigation from project progress and not call for cancellation, Ms. Kadee said they are working on both fronts simultaneously. They do not oppose AI development but aim to propose improvements so that the 1.6 billion baht budget achieves maximum benefit. They are not obstructing AI development but helping the government do its homework better. If the government listens to these proposals, it will improve project efficiency, transparency, and long-term benefits for the country. A key public concern remains the transparency of procurement, and there are calls for responsible executives to clarify doubts clearly to build public confidence.