Bangkok: The Democrat Party has launched "Spotlight the Government," an innovative platform leveraging AI to scrutinize government projects for cost-effectiveness and transparency. The platform has already identified over 1,200 projects with budgets exceeding 4.2 billion baht, raising questions about potential inefficiencies in government spending. The party is particularly focused on the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Education, both of which have adopted specific procurement methods that are under scrutiny. The Democrat Party has warned of a potential no-confidence motion if serious allegations are confirmed.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, and Ms. Kardee Leowpairoj, deputy leader, unveiled the "Song Rat" (Government Watch) platform. The initiative aims to collect and analyze data on government procurement from the e-GP system and government budget databases. Launched in conjunction with the party's 80th anniversary, it embodies their election campaign's philosophy of making government data accessible to enhance transparency and economic benefits.
Mr. Abhisit explained that the Democrat Party is poised to use the "Spying on the Government" platform initially for internal monitoring and scrutiny of government procurement. The platform will focus on AI-related projects, totaling 1,276 with a budget of 4,271 million baht, many of which have been deemed ineffective. Concerns regarding potential corruption have been flagged, particularly due to the absence of a clear government AI strategy. Examination of project details indicates a high risk of inefficiency and corruption, failing to meet OECD standards. Notably, over 4,200 million baht of the budget is connected to three private companies, which are under investigation for potential political affiliations or donations. The AI Passport project has been cited as a high-risk example. The party is committed to scrutinizing these and other projects, focusing on procurement methods at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Ministry of Education.
Mr. Abhisit urged the public to report any irregularities or suspicious activities in projects to the party for investigation. Once operationally stable, the platform will be accessible to the public. Serious corruption allegations could trigger a no-confidence motion, with legislative mechanisms like committees or motions used for initial scrutiny. The party plans to propose amendments to the Public Information Act this week to allow digitalization of information for real-time public access. In cases of government non-disclosure, the public will have the right to demand information, object to its withholding, or file appeals, with resolutions expected within 60 days.