The opposition People's Party (PP) stepped up its pressure on the government to scrap its 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI Passport project, warning that it would petition the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate once public registration opens.
Rukchanok Srinork, a PP MP and chair of the House committee on budget monitoring, said on Friday that the party would continue to scrutinise the scheme amid criticism of its procurement process and use of public funds.
She said Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob, whom she described as the project's policy authority, has the authority to halt the project despite other officials' claims that such decisions rest with the ministry's permanent secretary.
She suggested terminating the project, compensating the winning bidder for any contractual penalties and returning the remaining budget to the state.
If the government genuinely sought to promote AI development, the project should be resubmitted through the normal budget process and undergo full parliamentary scrutiny, she said.
"No one wants to obstruct Thailand's AI development," she said. "But there are irregularities throughout this 1.6-billion-baht project, and it is unclear why the government insists on pushing ahead."
Ms Rukchanok also criticised Thursday's public consultation forum by the government, describing it as lacking meaningful participation.
Former PP election candidate Teerachart Kortrakul said the ministry failed to explain key elements of the project, particularly a large share of the budget.
He highlighted inconsistencies in official explanations, noting that project representatives earlier told the House committee that AI usage tokens would be unlimited, but later said limits would apply.
