Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul has emphasized the critical importance of the AI Passport initiative, stating that Thais need AI to secure a place in the global landscape and remain aligned with international trends. Addressing opposition concerns about the project's Terms of Reference (TOR), he affirmed the commitment of the current government, led by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, to a corruption-free administration, focusing solely on public welfare.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in a recent interview, stressed the necessity of AI technology for Thailand's growth. He cautioned that those lacking AI access may not face immediate dire consequences but risk becoming obsolete. Anutin highlighted Thailand's robust foundation in technology, particularly in communications, and praised the country's skilled programmers and developers. He noted that Thailand leverages foundational knowledge to create indigenous systems, ensuring widespread access to advanced technology across the nation.
The Prime Minister addressed the opposition's scrutiny of the TOR process, stating that it falls under the purview of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and the DE Minister. He emphasized that the government's primary responsibility is to ensure that the process is conducted with integrity, adhering to legal standards. If these criteria are met, the involved parties have successfully executed the government's policy.
When questioned about potential corruption in the AI Passport project, Anutin confidently replied that the current government is focused solely on serving the people's interests. He reiterated that the administration is committed to avoiding corrupt practices, as these do not enhance personal or national prosperity. Anutin shared his personal conviction against participating in projects that deprive others of benefits, emphasizing his commitment to ethical governance.
Anutin further asserted the administration's zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and illegal activities. He detailed the government's robust actions against crime, including the seizure of assets worth 40 billion baht from fraudulent activities and historic drug trafficking crackdowns. The Prime Minister underscored the administration's unified stance against corruption, stating that government agencies are actively working to dismantle criminal networks and prosecute offenders, without fear of undue influence.
Regarding the AI Passport, Anutin clarified that there had been no discussions with the Minister of Digital Economy and Society for a review. He assured that any inaccuracies or legal violations within the system would be automatically detected and addressed. Anutin concluded by affirming the government's commitment to delivering an efficient AI system that meets public expectations for prompt responses.