Digital Ministry Defends TH-AI Passport Project Amid Opposition Scrutiny

On September 22, 2026, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DE), Ms. Naen Bunthida Somchai, responded to concerns raised by opposition MP Karndee Leopairote regarding the 'TH-AI Passport' project. Ms. Karndee had previously petitioned the Office of the Auditor General to pause the project's acceptance and payment processes, citing the absence of an 'Integrity Pact' and concerns over potential contract invalidity.

In response, the Deputy Minister stated that the ministry welcomes scrutiny but emphasized that criticisms must be based on facts rather than speculation. She clarified that, according to standard procedures, projects exceeding 1 billion baht must be reviewed by the Comptroller General's Department to determine if an Integrity Pact is required. The Comptroller General's Department has officially confirmed that the TH-AI Passport project does not meet the criteria for such a pact, thereby exempting it from that specific requirement.

For residents and travelers, this development highlights ongoing political oversight regarding digital infrastructure projects in Thailand. While the ministry maintains that the project is proceeding according to established legal frameworks, the situation remains a point of contention between the government and the opposition. Further confirmation regarding the project's timeline and final implementation status is expected as the audit process continues.