BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said on Monday that the terms of reference (TOR) for the “TH-AI Passport” project cannot be altered, but supplementary conditions could be attached to the final contract if agreed upon during crucial talks with the contractor on Tuesday. The 1.6-billion-baht (around $49 million) initiative aims to provide 5 million citizens with free access to professional-tier AI tools, with the broader goal of doubling Thailand’s AI adoption rate from 10.7% to over 20% by 2027—elevating it above the global average. However, the project has recently drawn heavy public and political scrutiny over budget transparency, procurement fairness, and its overall value for money.
Speaking after a public hearing for the project, Chaichanok stated that while the core TOR remains locked, extra attachments could be added to the contract if the contracting party agrees during their first official meeting. The minister dismissed concerns regarding opposition threats to petition independent regulatory bodies over the project, asserting that the ministry is prepared to completely reset the initiative if any legal discrepancies are found. He outlined three conditions that would trigger an immediate cancellation: legal violations, lack of cost-effectiveness, or misalignment with government policy. To ensure fiscal efficiency amidst ongoing cost concerns, Chaichanok noted that the proposed contract attachments would introduce a pay-per-use model, ensuring the state only pays for active utilization. (TNA)
