Facial Recognition trial to begin at 6 Thai airports

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Facial Recognition to Enhance Boarding Process Trial to Begin at Six Thai Airports

By Adam Judd

29 October, 2024

Starting November 1st, 2024, six major airports in Thailand will implement facial recognition technology to streamline the boarding process for domestic passengers, with some international passenger integration set to follow on December 1st, 2024.

This automated biometric identification system will allow passengers to show their ID once before moving from baggage drop to the boarding gate, eliminating the need for repeated passport and boarding pass checks.

Participating Airports

The six airports implementing this technology include:

– **Suvarnabhumi International Airport**
– **Don Mueang International Airport**
– **Chiang Mai International Airport**
– **Mae Fah Luang International Airport**
– **Phuket International Airport**
– **Hat Yai International Airport**

Registration Process

Passengers can register for the biometric identification system during check-in at the airport through two methods:

1. At the Check-in Counter:

– Passengers inform the airline staff to register their facial data.
– The boarding pass scanner is used to capture the passenger’s facial data and travel document information, which is then securely stored.

2. At the Self-Service Kiosk:
– Passengers scan the barcode on their boarding pass, insert their passport or ID card, and then scan their face.
– The system finalizes the registration, securely storing the facial data and travel document information.

Once registration is complete, passengers consent to the use of their biometric data. This streamlines the travel process, as there is no need to present passports or boarding passes when checking in luggage at the automated baggage drop, during security checks, and while boarding. This consent is valid for a single trip only.

The introduction of this technology aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for travelers, reducing wait times and simplifying the check-in process at these key airports.

TPN media notes that this is a trial program and may not be available for use for people from every country or flight during the test period.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/10/29/f ... -airports/

[Jun]

I recently read that Singapore residents don't need to present passports at Changi immigration.
Foreigners who are registered can use it when departing the country.

https://www.travelhouseuk.co.uk/news/ai ... checks.htm

As for Thailand, what is the point of something valid for a single trip ?

If they want to make it easy, why not let people from selected countries use the electronic immigration machines ? Just like some other countries do.
Or even just allow use for those who ought to already have all their data on the immigration computer ?