Politics
Thai Deputy Minister Defends 'TH-AI Passport' Project Amid Opposition Scrutiny
The Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society has addressed opposition concerns regarding the 'TH-AI Passport' project, asserting that all procedures followed official regulations.
On September 22, 2026, the Thai Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society responded to an opposition request for an investigation into the 'TH-AI Passport' project. The opposition had submitted a formal inquiry to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) regarding the initiative's transparency.
The Deputy Minister stated that the project is fully open to scrutiny but emphasized that allegations should be based on factual evidence rather than speculation. He clarified that the project did not meet the criteria for a 'Integrity Pact'—a voluntary agreement to prevent corruption in public procurement—after the Comptroller General's Department reviewed the proposal. Regarding concerns about user registration, the Ministry confirmed that all users are required to utilize a digital ID for the registration process.
For residents and travelers, this development highlights ongoing government efforts to digitize identification services. While the project is currently under administrative review, it underscores the government's push toward a unified digital identity framework. It remains to be confirmed whether the Office of the Auditor General will initiate a formal audit or if the Ministry’s explanation will satisfy the opposition's concerns. Residents should monitor official government channels for updates on how this project may impact future digital service access.