Chaiyanok Outlines TH-AI Passport Timeline with Registration Opening August 19
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has set the TH-AI passport registration to begin on August 19, 2026, capped at 5 million users, ahead of the official launch on August 31.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pre-registration testing for the TH-AI passport begins on August 19, 2026
- Official full system launch and operation scheduled for August 31, 2026
- Participant quota capped at a maximum of 5 million people
- Identity verification processed via the ThaiD application using a QR code
On August 14, 2026, at the Ministry of Finance, a meeting was held by the Digital Economy and Society (DE) Fund Management Committee, chaired by Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
Following the meeting, Chaiyanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, revealed that the TH-AI passport project continues to utilize funding from the 2026 DE Fund. However, funding sources for the fiscal year 2027 remain undecided and will depend on the initial evaluation results of the project's first phase.
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has reviewed the contract details attached to the Terms of Reference (TOR) returned by the Office of the Attorney General and is ready to move forward, with a press conference detailing the project scheduled within the next one to two days.
The official timeline for the TH-AI passport project is structured as follows:
- August 19, 2026: Pre-registration system testing opens
- August 28, 2026: Official project introduction
- August 31, 2026: Full system deployment and operation
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Chaiyanok stated that the Ministry will issue a QR code for citizens to fill out registration details and use the ThaiD application to scan and verify their identities. This structured timeline aims to reduce congestion and prevent system crashes. The project will cap eligible recipients at 5 million individuals, operating on a pay-per-use billing model.
The TH-AI passport initiative highlights the government's push to leverage existing digital infrastructure such as the ThaiD application for public services. Capping participation at 5 million users and implementing a pay-per-use model appear to be risk-management strategies for the DE Fund, which currently holds approximately 2 billion baht. Furthermore, incorporating a pre-launch testing phase addresses historical scaling issues frequently encountered by large-scale Thai government digital registration rollouts.
Regarding media inquiries concerning his absence from a meeting with the House Committee on Budget Monitoring, chaired by Rukchanok Srinork, MP from the People's Party, Chaiyanok clarified that he had not disappeared and had delegated relevant officials to attend and report according to proper procedures.
"Miss me?"
Chaiyanok Chidchob
Source: Khaosod Politics
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