Ministry of Digital Economy Denies Use of Information Operations for TH-AI Passport Promotion

On August 21, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) addressed public allegations regarding the use of 'Information Operations' (IO) to promote the TH-AI Passport initiative. Reports circulating online suggested that the government had hired teams to manipulate social media sentiment in favor of the new passport system.

In a statement reported by Matichon Online, the Permanent Secretary categorically denied these claims, asserting that there is no hidden budget allocated for such activities. The official emphasized that the ministry is not engaged in any coordinated effort to manufacture public approval. Furthermore, the official remarked that individuals acting with perceived good intentions but malicious underlying motives pose a greater concern than the allegations themselves.

For travelers and residents in Thailand, this clarification serves to address concerns regarding the transparency of government digital campaigns. While the ministry has denied the existence of an IO campaign, the discourse highlights ongoing public scrutiny surrounding the rollout of the TH-AI Passport. As of now, no evidence of a hidden budget has been presented, and the government maintains that its promotional efforts are legitimate. Observers should continue to monitor official channels for further updates regarding the implementation and public reception of the new passport system.