Concerns Mount Over Rapid AI Procurement Process
A prominent senator has voiced significant reservations regarding a government initiative aimed at providing professional AI services to millions of citizens. The plan involves an expenditure of 1.6 billion baht to acquire 12 AI models, intended to grant access to up to 5 million individuals.
Questions Raised About Project Timeline and Scope
Senator Nantana highlighted nine specific points of concern, primarily focusing on the speed at which the project’s terms of reference were developed and the bidding process concluded. She noted that the entire process, from drafting the ToR to awarding the contract, was completed in a mere 34 days. This compressed timeline, she argued, raises more questions than it inspires confidence.
Further scrutiny was directed at the project’s scale, with the senator questioning the rationale behind designing the service to accommodate five million user accounts and the criteria that will be used for their allocation. Additionally, she sought clarification on why the AI services are being procured through an intermediary. A key point of contention is whether the ‘AI Pro’ package represents a genuine premium offering or simply a basic version already accessible to the public free of charge.
Unconventional Advertising Strategy Under Fire
The senator also criticized a specific requirement within the terms of reference mandating advertising on 1,500 convenience store screens. She questioned the strategic decision to promote these digital services through physical retail locations, suggesting that digital platforms would be a more appropriate avenue.
Concerns were also raised about the winning bidder’s past performance, including a contract extension for MotoGP and its prior involvement in setting reference prices for other government ministries.
Ministry Defends Procurement and Project Goals
In response, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Nan Boonthida Somchai, refuted claims that the procurement process was unduly expedited. She stated that the 34-day period did not encompass the entirety of the process and adhered to standard government procurement procedures.
The Deputy Minister clarified that the project is a pilot initiative designed to broaden access to AI tools for Thai citizens aged 15 and older. Addressing the intermediary issue, she explained that the involvement of eight providers and 14 platforms made direct negotiations unfeasible.
Regarding the convenience store advertising, Ms. Nan cited estimates suggesting that up to 20 million people visit such stores daily, underscoring the potential reach of this strategy.
Public Forum Planned for Feedback
The ministry has announced plans to host a public forum on June 11 to solicit feedback on the initiative. Despite these assurances, Senator Nantana maintained her stance, describing the scheme as offering poor value for taxpayers and representing a waste of public funds.
