Politics
Opposition MP Requests Audit of 1.6 Billion Baht 'TH-AI Passport' Project
Democrat Party MP Kardi Leophairote has petitioned the Office of the Auditor General to investigate the transparency and potential risks of the government's 1.6 billion baht digital skills initiative.
On September 21, 2026, Kardi Leophairote, a list-MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, formally requested that the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) conduct an investigation into the 'TH-AI Passport' project. This initiative, managed by the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE) under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, aims to enhance digital and artificial intelligence skills among the Thai population with a total budget of approximately 1.621 billion baht.
According to Khaosod Online, Kardi stated that while her party supports the development of AI skills for citizens, there are significant concerns regarding the project's transparency and the potential for financial mismanagement. She highlighted seven specific observations, including concerns that the contract might be void due to issues surrounding the 'integrity pact'—a mandatory requirement for transparency in government projects. Furthermore, she noted that recent contract amendments shifted payment terms to be based on the number of actual users, raising questions about the project's fiscal oversight.
For residents and those interested in Thailand's digital infrastructure, this audit request highlights ongoing scrutiny of large-scale government technology spending. It remains to be confirmed whether the OAG will launch a formal investigation and what impact, if any, this will have on the project's timeline and the disbursement of funds.
