Chaiyachonok is pleased with the strong response to the TH AI Passport, as registrations reached 300,000 in the first half day. The project will officially launch on 28 August 2026, with the system going live on 31 August. He recommends verifying identity via the “Thang Rat” app for faster processing compared to other methods.
On 19 August 2026, Mr. Chaiyachonok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), announced that on the first day the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (NDESC), under the DES Ministry, opened early registration for the TH-AI Passport project. By 13:30, 307,000 people had reserved their participation rights. Although this number was satisfactory, it was below the anticipated figures, and the minister hopes registrations will reach several million before the system officially launches on 31 August 2026.
“I want to confirm that this project is secure. We have stipulated in contracts that foreign AI companies participating cannot use the data for further processing. There were some registration hiccups on the first day when verifying identity through the “ThaiD” app, but verification through the “Thang Rat” app was smoother. Therefore, I recommend verifying identity via “Thang Rat” as it is faster.”
Mr. Chaiyachonok confirmed the project’s intention to help reduce inequality, enabling everyone, regardless of location, to access AI Pro in various forms. Currently, most AI Pro users must choose limited models due to cost constraints. “This is an opportunity to use diverse AI Pro models. I want everyone to use this chance to enhance their income by trying AI models that suit them. After one year, users will need to purchase AI themselves, making it a worthwhile investment after experiencing the project. I am glad to see such a positive response and encourage everyone to fully utilize their rights and access.”
Regarding scrutiny from the opposition and complaints filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), he is unconcerned, stating the project was created for the public good. In response to Ms. Ratchanok Srinok of the opposition party calling for explanations before the Budget Committee, he believes those presenting are appropriate and knowledgeable and can answer the committee’s questions well. “We intend to be transparent and open to scrutiny. This may not please everyone, but it is lawful.”
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Ms. Nan Boonthida Somchai, added that free AI use is initially limited to at least 30 days. After this period, users must upgrade their skills by completing prescribed AI courses to receive continued usage credits, ensuring alignment with the project’s objectives.
Thai citizens aged 15 and over can register to participate in the TH-AI Passport project via the website de.aipass.net to apply, verify identity, and create accounts to access AiPASS, the AI platform under the project, before official service launch on 31 August 2026. The project will be officially introduced on 28 August 2026.
Registration can be done independently via mobile phones or computers by visiting de.aipass.net using a regular browser, then signing up or logging in with Google, Microsoft, or Apple accounts. Users must fill in required information and verify identity through the “Thang Rat” or “ThaiD” apps. After successful registration, the system creates an AiPASS account ready for activation. The DES Ministry limits participation to 5 million individuals.