Private sector voices concern over 8 billion Baht e-passport TOR, citing favoritism risks.

Thansettakij•Economy•9d ago

Reader Briefing

Concerns arise over the transparency and potential for favoritism in the Department of Consular Affairs' 8 billion baht e-passport project tender.

•The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is outsourcing the production and service of electronic passports.
•Concerns have been raised by the private sector regarding unclear criteria in the tender's evaluation procedures.
•The bid's evaluation process may allow for subjective judgment, potentially favoring certain companies.
•The project involves a budget of over 8.23 billion baht for Phase 4.

•Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing the electronic passport project.
•The project aims to outsource the complete process of producing and providing e-passports.
•Previous phases of the e-passport project were conducted between 2005-2013, 2012-2020, and 2019-2026.
•The budget for the upcoming Phase 4 of the e-passport project is over 8.23 billion baht.
•Private sector entities are concerned that unclear TOR criteria, particularly in evaluation steps 4 and 6, could lead to favoritism.
•The evaluation process, especially step 4 (testing and quality control) and step 6 (system control and monitoring), has criteria that may allow for excessive discretion by committee members.
•The TOR for the 8 billion baht e-passport project is currently under review and scrutiny.
•Potential for unfair competition and favoritism among companies bidding for the e-passport project.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The government body responsible for the e-passport project and outsourcing its production and services.

Department of Consular Affairs(กรมการกงสุล)

The specific department within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that has established the TOR for the e-passport project.

Bidding Companies(บริษัทที่เข้าร่วมประกวดราคา)

Entities from the private sector that are participating or have the potential to participate in the tender for the e-passport project.

Electronic Passport(หนังสือเดินทางอิเล็กทรอนิกส์)

The service being outsourced and the subject of the high-value procurement project concerning its production and related services.

Terms of Reference (TOR)(ร่างขอบเขตของงาน (TOR))

The document outlining the requirements and evaluation criteria for the e-passport outsourcing project.