Chaichanok to face grilling

The opposition will join the House legal affairs committee next week to summon Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob to explain the controversial 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI Passport project, warning that it will seek an anti-graft investigation if the scheme proceeds.

Speaking at parliament, People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork questioned the ministry’s handling of the project after officials said its terms of reference (TOR) could no longer be amended.

She also criticised a public consultation forum held yesterday, saying it should have taken place before the project began and before the first payment was approved.

“What is about to happen does not appear to be a genuine forum for hearing views from IT professionals, experts and the public, but rather a whitewashing exercise designed to legitimise the project,” she said.

Ms Rukchanok alleged that officials were highlighting the potential benefits of artificial intelligence while avoiding concerns over procurement requirements she said could limit competition.

She claimed the TOR for the project’s public relations component required bidders to own nationwide digital billboard networks and advertising displays in convenience stores, conditions that only a handful of companies could meet.

She said the House budget panel and the House Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Human Rights would hold a meeting on June 18 and invite Mr Chaichanok, the ministry’s permanent secretary, members of the TOR drafting panel and officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the State Audit Office.

If registration for TH-AI Passport starts, opposition MPs will file a complaint with the NACC, she added.