Chaichanok: Says project 'urgent'
The proposed TH-AI Passport project has become one of the most debated digital policy initiatives in recent years. Framed as a national investment in human capital and artificial intelligence capability, the scheme has drawn scrutiny over its scale, procurement process and value for money.At its core is a 1.6-billion-baht plan to provide access to advanced AI tools for up to 5 million people or roughly 10% of the eligible population aged 15 and above, while also generating data and skills intended to strengthen the domestic AI ecosystem.
What is the TH-AI Passport project?
The TH-AI Passport is initiated by Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to provide Thai citizens with access to multiple AI models (around 12 platforms and 24-25 models) through a single subscription framework.
DES Minister Chaichanok Chidchob says the scheme is funded through the Digital Economy and Society Development Fund (DE Fund) rather than the core state budget, citing urgency as the reason for its implementation this month, ahead of the next fiscal budget cycle in October. It targets students, workers, state officials and the public aged 15 and above, with particular emphasis on first-job entrants entering the labour market.
