Bangkok: "Rome" is preparing to invite "Chaiyanok" to explain the TH-AI Passport issue to the House Committee on Legal Affairs after discovering irregularities involving an oil company, suggesting corruption and rigged specifications.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a Member of Parliament from the People's Party and Chairman of the Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, received a letter from the Association for the Promotion of Citizen Oversight of the Exercise of State Power, requesting an investigation into the TH-AI Passport project. Mr. Rangsiman described the project as inherently suspicious, potentially linked to corruption, with several individuals and entities involved. Information suggests that some companies engaged in the project are oil companies, which is unusual given their primary focus on energy. This has led to public criticism of the procurement process and the Terms of Reference, which may have been manipulated, as pointed out by Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, during a parliamentary session.
Mr. Rangsiman noted that relevant ministers would generally be invited to provide information, though no specific date was mentioned for Mr. Chaiyanok. There are multiple issues involved, which may necessitate follow-up investigations and a formal summons for Mr. Chaiyanok to clarify matters before the committee. The possibility of issuing a subpoena will be discussed within the committee to ensure all parties have the opportunity to present their perspectives.
When questioned about companies suspected of wrongdoing, Mr. Rangsiman acknowledged that complaints mentioned several companies, including an unfamiliar oil company. He requested time for investigation to maintain fairness and allow the accused to respond. While the investigation will not be at the ministerial level, involved companies will be invited for discussions, and their cooperation will be crucial. Additionally, it will be necessary to verify if other parliamentary committees are addressing the same issue.
Mr. Rangsiman emphasized that while submitting the matter to independent organizations is a minimum step, the investigation aims to gather substantial evidence through both legal and political scrutiny.