Bangkok: "Rakchanok" is prepared to invoke the Summoning Authority Act to compel "Chaiyanok" to explain the TH-AI Passport issue to the Budget Monitoring Committee after his fourth absence, aiming to dispel accusations of excessive protection.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Rakchanok Srinok, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party and Chair of the House Committee on Budget Preparation and Monitoring, emphasized the committee's priority on the TH-AI Passport project during a recent meeting. With registration anticipated to begin soon, the focus was on the progress of amending the contract between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and its contractors.
The committee had previously requested detailed documents and project proposals, particularly scrutinizing the public relations aspect, which raised concerns of potential rigged specifications. The committee sought clarity on the companies participating in the bidding process and the nominated providers of display screens. Despite receiving contracts from two companies, documents from two others and the project proposals were still pending from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. Minutes from the Digital Economy Fund meetings related to the TH-AI Passport project were also missing, prompting further inquiries.
A critical point in the Terms of Reference (TOR) was that companies bidding for the public relations part of the project must use offline screens from the country's top five. However, the committee found that companies did not specify their screen providers, yet the Ministry scored this aspect, raising questions about the scoring criteria used by the Digital Economy Fund.
The committee also awaited the scoring criteria for components of the project, such as AI, public relations, training, and call center operations. This lack of documentation necessitated further inquiries with relevant agencies.
Regarding Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Ms. Rakchanok noted his absence again due to prior commitments. He delegated the Permanent Secretary to attend in his place. Despite understanding the discomfort within the Bhumjaithai Party, Ms. Rakchanok highlighted that Mr. Chaiyanok had been invited four times without appearing. Should he fail to attend the next meeting with outstanding document submissions, the committee may resort to the Summoning Authority Act to require his appearance.
Ms. Rakchanok stressed that the issue was not about creating political conflict but fulfilling the committee's duty to scrutinize budget management and state-funded projects. Complete information and documents were essential for examining project details, especially the TOR, scoring criteria, procurement, and contract details.
On Mr. Chaiyanok's insistence on proceeding with the TH-AI Passport project despite a complaint filed with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Ms. Rakchanok asserted that the project had been problematic from the start with issues in the TOR and contract. Originally, registration was set to open in June 2026, but delays and contract amendments from lump-sum to pay-per-use systems indicated underlying issues.
Ms. Rakchanok raised concerns about potential concealment of defects or fraud through contract amendments. She also criticized the Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) targeting Mr. Teerachart Kaotrakul, advocating for his support as he faced legal action despite others sharing the same critical post on the project.
She emphasized a minister's duty to attend Parliament and address the committee, respecting elected representatives. Despite informal discussions with Mr. Chaiyanok, he confirmed his non-attendance, highlighting a need for him to respect the committee's role.
Ms. Rakchanok urged Mr. Chaiyanok to appear and provide straightforward answers, potentially shedding his image of needing constant protection. The TH-AI passport project will be a topic in the upcoming no-confidence debate, with clarity sought on the judicial process's timing.