File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Biometric
Thailand's Immigration Bureau has admitted to lapses in its biometric system, affecting the tracking of about 17 million travellers last year. According to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, the system's capacity was maxed out, halting biometric data collection and posing security risks by potentially allowing criminals to re-enter undetected.
Rangsiman, chairing the House Committee on National Security, revealed that since the licensing for the system expired, the Bureau has only been capturing facial images and fingerprints, not true biometric data. He warns it could take up to 29 months to reinstate a functioning system, with procurement yet to commence.
Despite discussions across government committees, higher authorities have not actioned the necessary measures to rectify the issue. Rangsiman claims this lapse contributes to unchecked activities by transnational criminal groups within Thailand.
Pol Col Neti Khanboon, speaking before the committee, conceded the system's limited capacity, which currently holds data for 50 million individuals. An upgraded system requiring a substantial budget is in development, aimed at resolving current limitations.
Initially introduced in 2019 for 2.1 billion baht, the biometric system faced scrutiny and controversy. Notably, high-profile officer Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn had criticised its procurement, linked to an infamous but unsolved gun attack on his vehicle in 2020. Further, allegations of corruption during procurement surfaced, involving former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and others.
Rangsiman underscores the ongoing security risks and inefficiencies in Thai border control if systemic failures aren't promptly addressed, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2025-02-22
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