Plan B CEO responds to Chidchob photo amid TH-AI Passport scrutiny, as image with Thanathorn and Piyabutr emerges
Plan B CEO clarifies photo with the Chidchob family amid TH-AI Passport criticism, saying the company is not a contracting party, bidder or contractor
Another photograph has emerged showing Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul in the same frame as Plan B Media chief executive Palin Lojanagosin, amid public debate over the TH-AI Passport project.
The controversy follows criticism of the procurement process for the TH-AI Passport project, which offers 5 million free AI access rights with a budget of more than 1.6 billion baht. Rukchanok Srinork, a party-list MP from the People’s Party, posted on her Facebook page, “Rukchanok Srinork”, referring to individuals who may be linked to the project.
Her post included a photograph of Palin Lojanagosin, chief executive officer and founder of Plan B Media Plc, a leading media advertising company, attending a party with the family of Newin Chidchob and Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society. The post carried the message: “How close are they? Let the photo explain.”
On June 11, 2026, another leaked photograph appeared, showing Thanathorn, Piyabutr and Palin together. The three were seen laughing, with Thanathorn putting his arm around Palin, who was raising two fingers in a casual and friendly manner. The image has been interpreted as an indirect response to Rukchanok’s post.
Plan B denies involvement in TH-AI Passport project
Plan B Media Plc later issued a statement denying any involvement in the TH-AI Passport project, insisting that neither the company nor its subsidiaries were connected with the project mentioned on social media.
The company stated clearly that it and its subsidiaries were not a contracting party, bidder, selected party, bid winner, joint venture partner, contractor or service provider for the project.
Plan B added that if there had been any reference to an investment or action by any individual in a personal capacity, or through another legal entity, such activity belonged solely to that individual or legal entity. It was separate from the operations of Plan B Media and was not carried out on behalf of the company.
The company also stressed that it has always attached importance to conducting business under the principles of good governance and corporate governance. It urged the public, investors and related parties to consider information from the company’s official channels and from verifiable sources, in order to prevent misunderstandings caused by incomplete or inaccurate information.
