The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) has announced the implementation of a biometric identification system for domestic and international passengers, effective December 1, 2024. This system will operate at six AOT-managed airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience, streamline processes, and reduce service times at checkpoints from three minutes to approximately one minute.

Registration Options for Passengers

Passengers can register their biometric data during check-in through two methods:

  1. Airline Check-in Counters: Passengers inform airline staff to register their facial data, which is captured along with travel document details via boarding pass scanners.
  2. Self-service Check-in Kiosks (CUSS): Passengers select their airline, consent to facial data registration, complete the check-in process, and scan their boarding pass, passport, or ID card to finalize registration.

Features and Benefits

  • Passengers with registered biometric data can utilize automated bag drop systems (CUBD) and bypass the need to present passports and boarding passes at security and boarding checkpoints.
  • Collected biometric data will be deleted within 48 hours in compliance with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), ensuring data security and privacy.

AOT emphasizes that this initiative aligns with its commitment to delivering a superior travel experience while supporting Thailand’s aviation and tourism industries. The project is expected to contribute to sustainable economic growth nationwide.