“Kardee” submits 5 observations on “TH-AI Passport,” demanding suspension or cancellation under Public Procurement Act Section 97 to prevent wasting taxpayers' money due to lack of transparency, favoritism, and poor value.
At 10:00 a.m. on 27 Jul 2026 in front of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), Ms. Kardee Liaopairoj, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, along with colleagues, submitted an open letter to the Minister of DES through ministry representatives. Ms. Kardee said the Democrat Party requests reconsideration and action to amend or cancel the TH-AI Passport project, which aims to enhance digital and AI skills for Thais with a budget of 1.621 billion baht. The party emphasizes prioritizing the state's and taxpayers' best interests. Intending to see Thai innovation grow directionally, she presented five key observations for the ministry to consider amending.
1. Concerns about transparency and procurement process: The project approval was unusually rushed, with key TOR conditions altered during the caretaker government period. Additionally, conditions posed risks of favoritism toward a particular contractor group, raising serious suspicions that require transparent investigation before acceptance or disbursement of funds.
2. Poor cost-effectiveness and substandard system quality: The initial goal was to grant professional-level AI access (Pro or Premium) to 5 million people. However, testing revealed the Generative AI system (AI Pass) quality is inferior to free AI programs widely available today. Compared to other projects like OKMD’s, which cost only 2.4 million baht but achieved comparable results, it is clear that spending 1.621 billion baht on this project is not cost-effective, risks wasting public funds, and fails to establish any lasting innovation infrastructure for the country after completion.
Calls for suspension and cancellation, emphasizing lack of transparency
Ms. Kardee continued: 3. Lack of transparency in payment criteria based on actual usage: The explanation to switch to Pay per Use or Pay per Active User lacks clarity on token counting, definition of Active User, real user verification, and standard unit pricing. Without strict monitoring, this risks overpayment and policy-level corruption. The revised procurement contract must clearly specify details to enable effective auditing. 4. Violation of TOR conditions and impact on data sovereignty: TOR clause 2.2 clearly mandates personal and usage data be stored and processed within Thailand. In practice, foreign models are called upon, sending data to servers abroad, directly violating TOR and threatening national security and data sovereignty long-term.
Additionally, TOR clause 4.2.2.1 requires the Generative AI system to have Pro or Premium features typically paid for, across at least eight products or brands. Testing showed the AI Pass program is inferior in many respects. 5. Lack of clear KPIs: This billion-baht project lacks measurable goals to truly "upgrade the AI skills of Thais," indicating the investment lacks clear strategic direction.
Cancellation is possible to prevent wasting taxpayers’ money.
“Cancellation is possible under the Public Procurement and Supplies Administration Act B.E. 2560 (2017) Section 97, which allows government agencies to amend contracts for public benefit. Furthermore, TOR clause 15.4 reserves the right for government to adjust scope, reduce budget, or cancel projects if public interest is at risk, without damage or penalties to the state. Today's visit not only highlights these concerns but also aims to protect taxpayers’ money, ensuring every baht is used effectively for the future of Thai technology and AI.” Ms. Kardee concluded.