Free Access to 33 AI Models From 14 Providers
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society opened the TH-AI Passport platform to the public on Sunday, August 31 at 9am, following a pre-registration window that ran from August 19 to 31. The scheme, delivered through a portal called AiPASS, gives Thai nationals free access to Pro-tier AI services from 14 providers covering 33 models in total, spanning image generation, video creation, music production, research, coding and website-building tools. It is run by the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, working with partners including Microsoft, Google and NVIDIA.
The programme is built around a "Learn, Earn, Plern" structure, with "plern" being a Thai term for play, where users take courses, try out models and collect points that unlock higher-tier Pro access, with Innovator-level access running for 30 days. Registration is open to Thai nationals aged 15 and older, meaning most expatriates cannot register directly, though they can benefit indirectly if an eligible family member or colleague shares access through their own AiPASS account.
1.3 Million Sign-Ups Before Launch as Government Eyes 5 Million Users
More than 1.3 million people registered in the two weeks before the official launch, putting the government's target of 5 million users within reach. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said the early figures were proof that Thai people are ready to learn and grow with the technology. The rollout has not been free of friction: the project drew criticism in June over claims it favoured large companies, and the government pushed back this month against an MP who alleged an information operation was being run to promote it.
The launch comes as regulators separately weigh how to govern the technology. The Electronic Transactions Development Agency is gathering public feedback on a draft Artificial Intelligence Act, the kingdom's first dedicated AI law. Synnex (Thailand) chief executive Suthida Mongkolsuthee said the country's AI market is worth roughly 50 billion baht, of which more than 40 billion baht relies on foreign technology, and called for regulation that is strict on data protection while still allowing effective public access to AI tools.
