Yet more delays in implementation of immigration’s biometric system

Daily News reported that there are yet more delays in the start of Thai immigration’s plan to introduce biometric technology. 

Systems in use in Australia, Germany and Singapore have been proposed for Thailand over the last two years. 

But there has been delay after delay in the implementation of the 2.1 billion baht plans that include better fingerprint and facial recognition technology. 

Now it looks like a final deadline on May 2nd will be unmet. 

A deputy charged with bringing in the new technology, Maj-Gen Surapong Chaijan, told the press that the private company installing the systems have asked for a further 110 day extension. 

This would be considered on Thursday along with plans to demand 5 million baht a day in compensation for the delays resulting from the breaking of the contract. 

Problems in implementing the scheme at Ubon Airport have been blamed. It is one of many airports where the technology would be used. 

Changes to the infrastructure at Ubon are simply not ready. 

Maj-Gen Surapong put a brave face on the latest delay saying that one way or another, one time or another the systems would be in place.

Daily News said that three past immigration chiefs had presided over the introduction of the technology that has now become the burden of the latest chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang. 

Biometric technology is hoped to be more accurate and secure than previous methods aiding in the immigration process and limiting the possibility of transnational crime. 

Thai Visa / Daily News

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