Democrat Party list-MP and deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij has criticised the government's TH-AI Passport project, valued at more than 1.6 billion baht, arguing that it is neither cost-effective nor a sound long-term investment.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Mr Korn said the project raised questions about value for money, transparency and whether the funds could be better spent elsewhere. He noted that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) had been invited to explain the project before a parliamentary anti-money laundering committee this week.
The TH-AI Passport initiative aims to provide free one-year AI Pro subscriptions to up to five million people, funded through the Digital Economy and Society Development Fund (DE Fund). Mr Korn said the government would spend an average of 324 baht per user annually on services whose basic functions are already available free of charge.
Responding to the criticism, digital economy and society permanent secretary Patchara Anuntasilpa defended the project and rejected allegations that procurement had been designed to favour particular bidders.
He said the programme forms part of the government's "Quick Big Win" policy to expand access to AI technology, improve workforce skills and strengthen Thailand's competitiveness through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
The ministry said procurement procedures complied with legal requirements, including an open bidding process.
Three consortia submitted bids, with the winning proposal valued at 1.621 billion baht, about 1.76% below the reference budget. The contract was signed on April 7.
