Thailand To Launch Biometric Identification System At Six Airports
Thailand has launched a new effort to make air travel faster, safer, and more efficient with the introduction of a biometric identification system at six major airports. Starting November 1, 2024, domestic travelers will be the first to use this system, with plans to extend it to international passengers on December 1, 2024.
Thai officials hope this upgrade will improve security and streamline processing for millions of travelers across Thailand’s busiest airports, helping promote tourism by reducing congestion.
What is Biometric Identification?
Biometric identification systems confirm a person’s identity by analyzing physical characteristics such as facial features and fingerprints. Instead of relying on traditional ID checks and boarding passes, airport biometric identification systems capture and store each passenger’s physical data for verification at checkpoints.
This technology, which is widely adopted by airports around the world, speeds up processes and adds an extra layer of security when welcoming travelers into the country. Instead of physically checking ID documents and boarding passes, these systems automate the process to speed everything up and drastically reduce the risk of human error.
Why is Thailand Introducing the Biometric Identification System?
With high volumes of inbound and outbound traffic reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), streamlining airport operations has become more important than ever to cater to the increasing number of travelers. The TAT also does not want tourists waiting in long lines at airports, as this creates a negative association with Thailand.
The TAT is banking on the biometric identification system to bring the following benefits:
- Stronger security: Facial recognition reduces the risk of identity fraud and unauthorized access by criminals.
- Shorter wait times: Faster processing leads to shorter lines at check-in, immigration, and boarding.
- Operational Efficiency: Automated systems ease the workload on airport staff, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks.
- Modern Travel Experience: This upgrade supports Thailand’s goal of presenting itself as a tech-savvy, globally connected travel hub.
The system will be available at 6 major airports under the Airports of Thailand (AOT) agency, with each serving as a key hub for both international and domestic flights:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
- Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
- Phuket International Airport
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport
- Hat Yai International Airport
Alongside the biometric system, AOT has introduced five types of common-use passenger processing systems (CUPPS) at the six airports. These include the ticket checking system (CUTE), the automated check-in kiosks (CUSS), the automated baggage check-in system (CUBD), the passenger validation system (PVS), and the self-boarding gate (SBG).
How Will the Biometric System Work?
Travelers can enroll in the biometric system either at check-in counters or a CUSS kiosk. At the counter, airline staff will help capture both facial and travel document information as a digital token using the CUTE boarding pass reader.
Alternatively, travelers can use CUSS kiosks for self-check-in. They will need to select their airline, choose ‘Enrollment,’ scan the barcode on their boarding pass, insert their passport or ID, and finish registration with a facial scan.
After registration, travelers’ biometric data will be linked to their journey, allowing them to skip traditional passport or boarding pass checks at key points like baggage drop, security screening, and boarding. Implementing the biometric identification system will result in a more efficient airport experience, allowing travelers to spend less time in lines and more time enjoying their trip.
The TAT is quick to point out that this biometric information will not be stored for further use or distributed elsewhere. It will only be used for the duration of each passenger’s individual trips. Retaining facial scans of all travelers would be redundant, as Immigration already scans the faces of everyone who enters the country.
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Category: About Thailand
