- The Thai government is deploying the TH-AI Passport project worth 1.6 billion baht (approximately 49 million USD). The program aims to expand access to premium AI tools and support 5 million citizens in acquiring digital skills.
- However, many AI experts, tech professionals, and academics argue that the project does not create sustainable AI capacity for the country.
- Critics point out that this budget is primarily being used to purchase short-term access to foreign AI services. They view this as a temporary subsidy rather than an investment in building national AI infrastructure.
- A similar amount of funding could be used to develop digital infrastructure, train human resources, and build a Thai-language AI model.
- The editorial cites Singapore as an example, where the government collaborates directly with OpenAI to attract investment, jobs, and AI experts.
- In contrast, the TH-AI Passport is described as merely “renting” technology developed by foreign entities.
- The government calls this an investment in human resources but has not yet clearly disclosed the performance evaluation indicators.
- Questions regarding how many people actually upgrade their skills, increase their income, or improve their productivity remain unanswered.
- The program also faces demands for greater transparency regarding costs, implementation mechanisms, and budget efficiency.
- The Bangkok Post notes that surveys supporting the project cannot substitute for a policy evaluation based on actual efficiency.
- 📌 Conclusion: The Bangkok Post editorial does not oppose investing in AI but questions the method of investment. The controversy centers on whether the 1.6 billion baht (49 million USD) should be used to buy short-term AI access or to build domestic AI infrastructure, human resources, and technology with long-term value. Experts urge the government to publicly disclose goals, evaluation indicators, and specific economic benefits to ensure the transparency and efficiency of the project.
