Chaiyachonok explained that the increased DE budget for 2570 is due to the cloud system budget, which integrates all ministries and reduces expenses by over 30%. He confirmed there is no TH-AI Passport Phase 2 project.
On 30 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Chaiyachonok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), commented on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill considered the previous day (29 Jun 2026 GMT+7), where the opposition debated the DE Ministry's budget for the TH-AI Passport project. He said some government and opposition members clarified this, noting that part of DE's increased budget comes from integrating cloud systems, mostly not limited to DE but covering all ministries. The intent is to reduce costs, achieving about a 30% budget cut. However, full cloud integration is not possible as some systems are specialized or subject to existing budget commitments, such as the Ministry of Finance, which has long-standing, distinct systems preventing consolidated purchasing to reduce prices.
Chaiyachonok also confirmed that the 2570 budget bill draft does not include a TH-AI Passport Phase 2 project. Regarding MP Rakchanok Srinok of the People's Party, who thanked the Budget Bureau for removing 900 million baht from the TH-AI Passport project in the draft, Chaiyachonok said he was unsure and needed to review each phase and project, as well as this year's project outcomes, which he is confident will be positive.
When asked about criticism labeling the DE Ministry as a 'favored ministry' due to its large budget, Chaiyachonok asked what 'favored ministry' means, then said he wants people to consider the reasons and see the necessity of technological transition. In today's era, he wants Thailand not to fall behind. If some think the increased budget is inappropriate, he finds this contradictory. He believes the budget increase is still too small for the country to truly advance and develop. Facing various crises around us makes this effort necessary, and the country must do its best within its means.