Thailand, February 21st, 2025, Pol. Col. Kathathon Khamthiang, spokesperson for the Immigration Bureau (IB), addressed claims made by MP Rangsiman Rome regarding the expiration of Thailand’s biometric system, which allegedly failed to collect biometric data for 17 million foreign tourists in 2024.
Rangsiman, who chairs the House Committee on National Security, warned that the missing data could allow transnational criminals to enter Thailand undetected.
Pol. Col. Kathathon explained that IB employs multiple security systems, including Biometrics and PIBICS, to screen foreign visitors. These systems verify identities, check for wanted individuals, and track visa statuses.
Before entry, travelers undergo database checks to determine if they are on watchlists or have domestic and international criminal records. Once admitted, their movements are monitored, including accommodation reports within 24 hours and periodic 90-day address confirmations. Overstays and visa violations are flagged in real time.
Pol. Col. Kathathon acknowledged that while licensing issues had affected some biometric processing functions, core identity data is still being collected and remains accessible for security purposes.
He emphasized that foreign nationals committing offenses or flagged as security threats are entered into the national blacklist, preventing re-entry even if they change passports.
To further enhance efficiency, Thailand is developing the Thailand Immigration System (TIS), a modernized platform integrating advanced tracking technologies. The IB assured the public that border control remains strict and that future system upgrades will align with international security standards, remarked Pol. Col. Kathathon.
