Thailand’s most prominent opposition MP targets the ฿1.621 billion TH-AI Passport with an anti-graft complaint over tender terms, linked firms and payment plans. Rakchanok demands accountability, while Chaiyanok insists no laws were broken in public.
People’s Party firebrand Rakchanok Srinok has plunged Thailand’s ฿1.621 billion TH-AI Passport into political warfare. The country’s most prominent opposition politician filed an anti-corruption complaint against Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyanok Chidchob and senior officials. She targeted restrictive advertising terms, connected companies and an original payment plan potentially releasing almost the entire budget despite minimal use. Rakchanok demanded cancellation, threatened a no-confidence offensive and wants prison terms if wrongdoing is proved. The clash came one day after 1.36 million registrations produced only 101,764 early users. Meanwhile, Parliament is demanding missing tender files as the ministry considers Phase Two. Chaiyanok denies breaking the law and insists the paid platform beats free services.
People’s Party firebrand Rakchanok Srinok has opened a new front against the ฿1.621 billion TH-AI Passport project. On Tuesday, she formally asked anti-corruption officials to investigate its tender, specifications and commercial connections. She accused Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyanok Chidchob and senior officials of failing to stop suspected irregularities. Hours later, however, Mr Chaiyanok rejected her claims and insisted that no laws were broken.
The confrontation came one day after the national artificial intelligence platform entered operation. By Monday afternoon, registrations had reached 1,366,217. However, only 101,764 people had used the service within its first four-and-a-half hours. Ms Rakchanok said that gap raised serious questions over public demand and value.
At 9 am on Tuesday, Ms Rakchanok arrived at the National Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters in Bangkok. She was accompanied by Theerachart Kaotrakul, an adviser to Parliament’s Budget Monitoring Committee. Together, they submitted a case file and supporting evidence concerning the TH-AI Passport project. Specifically, they requested an investigation into its transparency, payment structure and procurement conditions.
Complaint names minister and officials as advertising terms raise fears over restricted competition
The complaint named Mr Chaiyanok and the ministry’s permanent secretary. In addition, it identified the secretary-general of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission. The chairman of the Terms of Reference drafting committee was also included. Furthermore, the complaint named people connected with Human Intelligent Company.
Ms Rakchanok accused Mr Chaiyanok of neglecting his duty after warning signs emerged around the project. Despite those concerns, she claimed he made no serious attempt to stop or cancel it. Meanwhile, ministry officials continued implementing the policy and advancing the procurement. Some were also involved in preparing the Terms of Reference governing the tender.
A central part of her complaint concerns the project’s extensive advertising requirements. Under the specifications, the contractor needed access to at least 400 billboards nationwide. Moreover, it required at least 6,000 screens inside convenience stores across 1,500 branches. The conditions also demanded access to 200 screens inside shopping centres.
Consequently, Ms Rakchanok argued that only a few businesses could meet the combined conditions. The requirements extended far beyond providing artificial intelligence services. Instead, they linked the technology contract to a vast nationwide advertising network. She wants investigators to determine whether those conditions restricted genuine competition.
Shared ownership claims and original lump-sum payment deepen scrutiny of the ฿1.6 billion contract
Ms Rakchanok also questioned the relationship between Human Intelligent Company and another company controlling advertising screens nationwide. According to her, both businesses shared the same ultimate beneficial owner. Additionally, she said they were registered at the same location. The People’s Party had repeatedly raised that connection with the ministry.
However, she said the ministry failed to act upon those warnings. Therefore, she wants the commission to examine the ownership structures and relationships between the companies. Investigators must also scrutinise the advertising conditions and their effect upon competing bidders. None of her accusations has yet been established by the commission.
The original payment system formed another major part of her complaint. Initially, the agreement reportedly provided for a lump-sum payment to the contractor. Under that arrangement, the company could receive the full project payment regardless of genuine use. Ms Rakchanok said even one registered user could theoretically trigger payment of approximately ฿1.6 billion.
Subsequently, the payment method was changed to a pay-per-use structure. Nevertheless, Ms Rakchanok said the original arrangement still required investigation. In particular, she questioned who designed it and why it was approved. She also demanded an examination of the contract changes and their timing.
Rakchanok demands a fresh tender as launch figures reignite questions over value and foreign reliance
“Our ultimate goal, and we reiterate, is to cancel this project and start over,” Ms Rakchanok said. “If you believe it’s truly good and worthwhile, go back and start anew in the right way. Go back and write the Terms of Reference so that everyone can participate and compete.”
TH-AI Passport began operating at 9 am on August 31. The state-backed portal provides access to more than 30 international artificial intelligence models. Additionally, the programme offers 96 training courses through a single government-supported system. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly guaranteed the project during its launch and called it “a good project.”
Mr Anutin also credited Mr Chaiyanok with completing the groundwork. Nevertheless, questions were already mounting over procurement, technical limits and taxpayer value. Concerns also covered overseas data processing and reliance upon foreign artificial intelligence providers. The People’s Party had pursued those issues for several months before the launch.
Hours after the platform began operating, ChatGPT suffered a five-hour worldwide outage. The disruption started at approximately 10.04 pm in Thailand. The two events were not connected. However, the outage highlighted the project’s dependence upon powerful foreign systems outside Bangkok’s control.
Using the ministry’s figures, Ms Rakchanok said actual use carried a value of only several million baht. Yet the original lump-sum arrangement could have triggered the entire project payment. Therefore, she questioned whether the proposed expenditure reflected measurable public demand. She also challenged officials to explain the financial basis behind the original contract.
MP targets blue network links and demands prison terms if investigators prove project wrongdoing
Additionally, Ms Rakchanok questioned whether off-budget funds had helped finance the programme. She suggested that the arrangements could have benefited companies supporting what she called the “blue regime.” That expression referred to the political network surrounding the governing Bhumjaithai Party. However, those claims remain matters for the commission to examine.
Ms Rakchanok said public exposure had prevented the contractor from receiving approximately ฿1.5 billion under the original arrangement. Nevertheless, the commission has not confirmed that calculation. The payment system was later changed, but she said that did not erase the original questions. Instead, she argued that the initial structure showed why a full investigation was necessary.
When asked whether her complaint could stop the project, Ms Rakchanok offered little hope. At this stage, she said immediate cancellation was probably impossible. Instead, she wanted those responsible to face legal accountability. Moreover, she demanded criminal punishment if investigators eventually proved wrongdoing.
“Ultimately, if the case concludes, I want to see the perpetrators imprisoned,” she said. “They dared to push for this, defying public scrutiny, defying media attention, defying the law. In the end, if the sun shines brightly one day, I want to see the guilty party in prison. They must receive their punishment.”
Rakchanok questions anti-graft delays as missing ministry records widen the parliamentary dispute
Separately, Ms Rakchanok attacked the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s response to the controversy. She questioned whether its examination had moved too slowly. In previous cases, commissioners had raised concerns before some projects even started. However, she said no comparable intervention had occurred over TH-AI Passport.
She therefore questioned whether conflicts of interest were obstructing the commission’s work. Furthermore, she raised possible connections with figures inside the “blue regime.” Such relationships might prevent commissioners from performing their responsibilities fully, she claimed. Again, the commission has not ruled on those claims.
At the same time, Ms Rakchanok said she held limited expectations about the investigation. Still, she filed the complaint to place the commission’s response under public scrutiny. Projects were repeatedly attracting suspicions of irregularities and corruption, she said. Consequently, the public should closely watch how commissioners handled the case.
Ms Rakchanok described disclosure as part of her responsibility as an elected representative. Therefore, the filing became both a legal complaint and a public challenge. The commission must now decide whether the evidence merits a formal investigation. It must also determine who should be called to answer the accusations.
Meanwhile, the dispute has spread into Parliament’s budget-monitoring process. Ms Rakchanok accused the ministry’s permanent secretary of repeatedly providing inaccurate information through the media. For example, he had claimed that the ministry cooperated fully with the committee. However, Ms Rakchanok firmly disputed that account.
Committee demands missing contract files as Rakchanok keeps more evidence for no-confidence debate
The committee had requested dozens of records from the ministry. Yet officials supplied only nine documents. Furthermore, about half were already available to the public. The committee had not asked for those particular records.
Several crucial documents remained missing. These included technical proposals submitted by the businesses competing for the project. Moreover, the committee had not received the latest annexes attached to the contract. Those documents could show how payment conditions and other provisions were changed.
Consequently, the committee will use its legal powers to demand the outstanding records. Ministry officials must supply them by September 8. Two days later, the committee will resume its examination of the TH-AI Passport scheme. Therefore, the missing documents could shape its next round of questioning.
Ms Rakchanok also confirmed that substantial evidence remained available for a no-confidence debate. Months of disclosures had not exhausted her files, she said. The People’s Party had already released several sets of information. However, she insisted that considerably more remained undisclosed.
“But there’s still a ton of stuff left,” she said. “We can use it for a no-confidence debate. Just think how rotten things must be to still have stuff left for us to play with for months. And we still have stuff left for a no-confidence debate.”
Rakchanok attacks second phase and summons Chaiyanok to directly answer procurement questions
Meanwhile, the Digital Economy and Society Ministry has discussed a second phase. Officials have said another stage could proceed if the existing project proves successful. Ms Rakchanok attacked that possibility in particularly fierce terms. She said MPs had already used every available power to examine the programme.
Despite that scrutiny, the ministry continued defending TH-AI Passport. Therefore, she described forcing through Phase Two as “extremely shameless.” She said current use remained too low to justify claims of success. Consequently, another major spending commitment could not be defended through the available figures.
“If you still claim it’s successful and continue to push it forward, it’s no longer for the people,” she said. According to Ms Rakchanok, Phase Two would reveal the government’s priorities. Spending would then take precedence over measurable public benefits, she claimed. “If Phase Two is implemented, it will confirm the observations we’ve been making all along,” she added.
The opposition MP also challenged Mr Chaiyanok to appear before parliamentary investigators personally. Previously, he said those holding direct authority should provide the explanations. However, Ms Rakchanok said the minister himself possessed the clearest direct authority. Therefore, he should personally answer questions about the procurement.
Chaiyanok rejects wrongdoing and promises full cooperation after Rakchanok challenges him to appear
She called for a two-way exchange before the committee. In contrast, she rejected statements delivered through reporters without detailed follow-up questions. “I think that now the project has progressed this far, Mr Chaiyanok should show some courage,” she said. “He should come to clarify the matter himself. It might restore confidence in him.”
Ms Rakchanok said the minister could send a deputy if he refused to attend. However, she sharpened the challenge with another direct attack. “But if he doesn’t want to come, he could send a deputy minister instead,” she said. “That is if he’s not brave enough to answer the questions himself.”
Hours later, Mr Chaiyanok responded at Prince of Songkla University’s Hat Yai campus. He spoke at approximately 1 pm during a visit to Songkhla. The minister confirmed that he knew about Ms Rakchanok’s complaint. However, he showed no concern about its possible consequences.
“I am not worried because I have not done anything illegal,” Mr Chaiyanok said. “If there is any process requiring me to clarify the facts, I am ready to participate in everything. I have no concerns whatsoever.”
When questioned about appearing before the commission, he promised complete cooperation. Furthermore, he said he would answer every question truthfully. “We haven’t done anything wrong, and we have nothing to worry about,” he said. He offered no detailed response to the individual procurement accusations.
Minister dismisses lawsuit talk and says political scrutiny could drive more users towards the platform
Reporters also asked about a possible lawsuit by the ministry’s permanent secretary. Ms Rakchanok had challenged the senior official to sue her. However, Mr Chaiyanok said he knew nothing about such a proposal. He also questioned why the permanent secretary would need legal action.
The opposition had a duty to scrutinise government work, he said. Meanwhile, officials had a duty to operate within the legal framework. Therefore, he saw no reason for lawsuits between the two sides. Nevertheless, he criticised what he described as disrespectful communications and threats against civil servants.
Mr Chaiyanok said such behaviour reflected individual character. Moreover, civil servants could feel hurt by such treatment and become reluctant to cooperate. Despite that warning, he again insisted that his ministry followed the law. He did not identify any specific legal breach by Ms Rakchanok.
The minister then addressed the continuing political attacks against TH-AI Passport. He said their description depended upon the viewer’s perspective. Some people might see the programme as a political target. Others could regard the opposition’s scrutiny as aggressive.
However, Mr Chaiyanok wanted to turn the crisis into an opportunity. Increased attention could drive more people towards the platform. Consequently, the controversy might encourage additional users to test its services. He said the public would then benefit regardless of the opposition’s intentions.
Chaiyanok defends paid artificial intelligence access as technical value joins procurement dispute
Notably, Mr Chaiyanok admitted that he had not registered on launch day. He said he wanted to preserve access for people facing genuine limitations. Those users particularly needed professional artificial intelligence packages, he explained. Therefore, he did not claim one of the available places himself.
Mr Chaiyanok also answered criticism comparing TH-AI Passport with free artificial intelligence applications. Some users had claimed that established free services produced better answers. However, the minister rejected that conclusion after examining the complaints. He said the comparisons failed to consider previous user information.
Established services had operated for a long time. Consequently, those applications had learned individual preferences and usage patterns. TH-AI Passport did not import data from previous services. Therefore, its early answers were less closely tailored to individual users.
Nevertheless, Mr Chaiyanok insisted that this did not make its artificial intelligence models technically inferior. The difference came from the absence of personal usage histories, he said. In practical terms, he argued that professional services provided greater capacity. Free packages imposed restrictions on tokens and question numbers.
“Therefore, there’s no way the free version can compete with the real thing,” Mr Chaiyanok said. His response placed the platform’s technical value at the centre of the dispute. However, Ms Rakchanok’s complaint primarily targets its procurement, payment terms and commercial links.
Poll places Rakchanok beside Anutin after she dominates Thailand’s opposition prominence rankings
The fierce exchange came as Ms Rakchanok’s political profile reached a new high. An August Suan Dusit Poll named her Thailand’s most prominent opposition politician. The university questioned 2,107 people nationwide between August 25 and 28. Responses were collected online and through field interviews.
The survey measured prominence rather than popularity, trust or voting intentions. Even so, Ms Rakchanok dominated the opposition category with 32.46%. Parit Wacharasindhu followed with 22.68%. Meanwhile, People’s Party leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut received 21.36%.
Therefore, Ms Rakchanok led her own party leader by more than 11 percentage points. Her showing also placed her profile close to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s. In a separate government category, Mr Anutin received 31.94%. Yotsanan Wongsawat followed with 25.66%.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas came third with 22.72%. Consequently, Ms Rakchanok’s separate figure was fractionally higher than Mr Anutin’s. However, the results came from different questions and cannot form a direct popularity contest.
Still, Ms Rakchanok’s position was not a one-month result. She has led the opposition category for three consecutive months. In June, she received 30.12%. Subsequently, her figure climbed to 33.70% in July before easing to 32.46% during August.
Rakchanok’s scrutiny lifts opposition standing as confidence in government and transparency declines
Mr Anutin received 35% in June. Afterwards, his result rose to 37.71% in July before falling to 31.94% in August. Again, the figures represented separate government and opposition categories. Nevertheless, they showed Ms Rakchanok’s growing visibility against Thailand’s most powerful political figures.
Suan Dusit academics linked her standing to intensive scrutiny of government operations. Her recent work included state expenditure, Social Security Office spending and the TH-AI Passport. Furthermore, she repeatedly turned technical procurement documents into major public disputes. The latest anti-corruption complaint continued that aggressive parliamentary approach.
The wider August survey also delivered strong results for the opposition. Its performance received the highest political-index score at 4.28 out of ten. Moreover, respondents named scrutiny of government expenditure as its most popular activity. That work received 39.74%.
In contrast, the country’s overall political index fell from 3.71 in July to 3.63 in August. Government performance received only 3.57 points. Similarly, the prime minister’s performance received 3.57. Anti-corruption work and transparency scored just 3.18.
Meanwhile, action against narcotics and influential figures finished last with 3.00 points. Only opposition performance and public participation improved during August. Nearly every other indicator declined. The falls covered economic, social, corruption, security and disaster-related concerns.
Suan Dusit links Rakchanok’s rise to scrutiny as separate investigations refer to this project
Suan Dusit Poll president Pornpan Buathong said several government measures had produced no clear results. Meanwhile, the opposition maintained continuous scrutiny and political communications. Those efforts helped lift the opposition’s standing during a broader fall in confidence. Ms Rakchanok’s procurement campaign sits directly inside that pattern.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission must now consider the complaint and submitted evidence. Separately, the House committee is waiting for the missing ministry records on the scheme. Those documents must arrive by September 8. On September 10, the committee will resume its investigation.
Mr Chaiyanok maintains that every process complied with the law. Moreover, he has promised to cooperate with investigators and answer their questions. Ms Rakchanok, however, says her files remain far from exhausted. She is also preparing further material for a no-confidence debate.
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Consequently, the ฿1.621 billion programme now faces three separate tests. These include an anti-corruption complaint, parliamentary scrutiny and approaching no-confidence proceedings. At the same time, the ministry continues defending the platform and discussing another phase.
The dispute has therefore moved far beyond Monday’s high-profile launch. It now centres upon tender conditions, connected companies, payment changes and missing documents. By September 8, the ministry must hand over its outstanding records. Two days later, Ms Rakchanok will return with another round of questions.
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Further reading:
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Microsoft accepts charges of corrupt payments in Thailand as it makes a deal with US investigators
Provincial agency boss arrested in Mukdahan after trying to extort ฿2 million from a businessman
