From 1 Dec, Travellers Can Depart From Six Thailand Airports With Facial Recognition

By
Champa Ha
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In a move that is sure to increase efficiency in immigration, as well as paranoia that now more secret governments are more likely to recognise you and whatever you plan to do, Thailand is set to implement a biometric identification system at six international airports to enhance passenger identification processes.

This means faster trips through the airport if you happen you hold a biometric passport.

Airport Authority of Thailand Director Kirati KItmanawat has shared that the latest move in technological advancement in airline security will help streamline identification, reduce wait times and provide a smoother travel experience for tourists.

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Airports that will be involved will include Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang- Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.

These airports, Director Kitmanawat shared, have seen an almost 20% increase in passengers from September to October of this year, compared to the same period in 2023.

Domestic passengers travelling across Thailand will be able to use the system from 1 November, while international passengers will enjoy access from 1 December onwards.

But How Does It WORK?

As Director Kitmanawat goes on to explain, passengers with biometric-enabled passports can allow the systems in place to access identification information using the boarding pass machine or self-check in at the airport.

Passengers who are checking in online can also select the airline they are flying with, select ‘enrollment’ and scan the barcode from the boarding pass.

They can then insert their passport or ID card and scan the face as the final step.

Each registration is for one trip only.

Both types of registration will store the passenger’s facial data and travel information, playing up to the fears of your friend that’s really worried about world governments tracking their movements.

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Passengers will only need to show their passport once during check-in, which will be very helpful for your peace of mind so you don’t have to worry about juggling your boarding pass, carry-on luggage, Stanley cup, and the bag of Irvin’s Salted Egg Fish Skin that you can’t seem to travel out of the country without.

Oh, is that all?

Of course, this is not the only thing that tourists travelling to Thailand would need to take note of, besides that list of snacks that their friends overseas would want them to bring back.

Tourists from certain countries, including Singapore, may be expected to apply for an electronic travel authority (ETA) when beta testing for the system, with a pilot expected to start in December this year and a full rollout by June 2025.

Here’s what NCMPs are, and what to expect after GE2025:

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Champa Ha