The Thai government announced a new facial recognition technology to streamline passenger identification and reduce wait times.

Key Points:

  • Effective Nov. 1, six airports will implement an automated biometric identification system for domestic travelers:
    • Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport
    • Chiang Mai International Airport
    • Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport
    • Phuket International Airport
    • Hat Yai International Airport
  • International travelers will be able to access the new system beginning Dec. 1.

Additional Information: Passport holders from Hong Kong or Singapore are able to access the new system immediately. The system does not apply to holders of long-term visas. Passengers can complete biometric enrollment at airline counters or self-check-in kiosks, where facial data will be captured alongside passport scans. This data will be registered once with a single use consent.

BAL Analysis: Passengers should be able to move more efficiently through check-in, baggage handling, security and immigration with the new system. The government is expected to announce at a later date which nationalities will be exempted from completing biometric checks. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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