KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand is set to introduce an automated biometric identification system that uses facial recognition technology at six of its airports later this year.
In a report published by the Bangkok Post, the initiative will require passengers to show their physical identification only once.
According to the report, the six airports set to implement this system are Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
Citing Kirati Kitmanawat, director of the Airport Authority of Thailand, the system will be available for domestic travellers from Nov 1 and for international travellers from Dec 1.
Passengers will need to consent to their identification being accessed when checking in at the counter or using self-service check-in kiosks equipped with the system.
Additionally, the system will electronically collect passengers' biometric data and travel itineraries, enabling them to proceed from the baggage drop to the boarding gate without the need to present passports or boarding passes.
Each registration will be valid for a single journey, the report said.