Concerns Raised Over Border Security Failures as Immigration Bureau Acknowledges System Reaches Full Capacity
PUBLISHED: 21 Feb 2025 at 20:35
The Immigration Bureau has reported a critical failure in its biometric data collection system, which failed to process the biometric information of approximately 17 million travelers who entered and exited Thailand last year, according to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome. This alarming revelation raises significant concerns about the country’s border security.
Rangsiman stated, “Currently, Thailand is not utilizing the biometric system effectively for border security, creating a significant risk for potential criminals to re-enter the country undetected.” He emphasized that the system has not collected genuine biometric data throughout 2024, with only facial images and fingerprints being recorded.
Over the last year, with the previous licensing for the biometric system expired, 17 million individuals traveled without their biometric details being captured. The Immigration Bureau could require up to 29 months to implement a new system, as procurement processes have yet to initiate, according to Rangsiman.
Despite multiple discussions on this issue with the National Security Committee, action from higher authorities has been lacking. “This situation highlights a glaring failure within the police organization,” Rangsiman continued, linking this gap to the ongoing operations of transnational criminal groups in Thailand.
Pol Col Neti Khanboon, head of the bureau’s database division, confirmed during hearings that the current biometric system has reached its limit, with a capacity for just 50 million personal identities. Transitioning to an unlimited license would require an investment of 500 million baht, while a new identity collection system is under development with a projected budget of 3 billion baht.
The shortcomings of the current system underscore the pressing need for upgrades. In 2019, the Bureau procured this biometric system for 2.1 billion baht, amidst public criticism over its efficacy. The implications of security lapses have been severe, with uninvestigated threats against prominent officials linked to these procurement issues.
Currently, the lack of biometric recording means a substantial number of individuals were allowed to enter and exit the country without sufficient oversight, raising the stakes for national security and safety.
