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Is fingerprint scanning at Thai immigration a new requirement for visitors?
Fingerprint ScanningThailand ImmigrationBiometric DataVisa ProceduresExpat InformationTravel in Thailand
Feb 5, 2023
3 years ago
Kate ************
ORIGINAL POSTERI saw a recent YouTube video on a couple travelling to Bangkok who had their fingerprints taken when arriving! Is this a new thing?
I’ve been to Thailand 5 times and that never happened to me.
What is the reason for that?
I’ve been to Thailand 5 times and that never happened to me.
What is the reason for that?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Fingerprint scanning upon arrival in Thailand is not a new procedure; it has been standard for several years. Many commenters reiterated that biometric data collection, including fingerprints and photographs, has been in place as part of immigration processes since around 2019, with some suggesting it might have begun even earlier. The use of fingerprints is common in various countries as security and identification measures, and discussions highlighted the technology's prevalence beyond Thailand.
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Ron *********
Did you fall off a hot air balloon into Thailand?
Paul *******
Yes, it's been happening for some years now. Cambodia actually started doing it about 3 or 4 years before Thailand started following suit.
Ronald *********
When depart through Suvarmabhumi immigration, you have to place fingers of both hands in scanner.
Andy ********
It's pretty much standard in most countries ...... why are you worried.....on the run maybe!!
Dan ***********
Every time you come through immigration at the airport they take your fingerprint. Any international airport in country.
Paul *******
Also land borders. Not everyone comes by air.
Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Jake ********
Make a big fuss about it next time you go, let us know how it goes.
Martin *********
Been happening for about 7 years
Ralphy *****
Kate is about to be finger printed
Mitchell *******
@Kate ***********
How did you arrive to Thailand?Mitchell *******
Finger print scan every time
Janne ***********
normal procedure!
Brad **********
Everyone was having them taken when we arrived last June!
Jo ******
No form filling in anymore for VOA, biometrics, stamp, be on your way... normal for most countries now.
Jesse *******
Same indonesia same many countries it's normal now
Patrick ********
Yes just went though passport control checking people's good character.
Cris ********
Yes, it’s a scan machine. I arrived on December 7. While you do that and get your photo taken by the machine the immigration officer stamps your passport.
Andrew ********
Yes, normal fingerprint scan and photo at passport control.
Harris **********
You got something thing to hide 🤔
Frank **********
Welcome to Big Brother where the government tracks your movements.
Carlo ********
E normale sei arretrato
Diego *********
It's required, a Russian couple arriving at Phuket international refused to, and got themselves a ride back to Mother Russia.
Paul *******
Really? You can refuse but compelling reasons need to apply and you will definitely delay your entry into the country
Christopher *************
@Diego ********
hahaReply to
Christopher *************
Reply
Sandy **************
This is not new. A large number of countries do it. Also be aware there is a high probability that this will end up on the NSA database. A large number of countries have an agreement with the US to collect and share this data. The countries generally have a disclosure on what they do with your "their"data, as they own it. not you. Is you don't like it, don't visit those countries and check their disclosure before you travel or book to go to those countries
Bobby ********
Normal now, has been for about 4-5 years. No big deal
Gary *********
Every time in the last
***
years I got finger and face scansDavid ***********
They always do it at Immigration. Just a hand scan. Easy
Donna ************
Yes, fingerprints taken Thailand Airports, in Vietnam now and Malaysia
Andy ******
Fingerprints and photo taken every time entering ,same on way out of Thailand
Will ************
Wait until they start doing it for visa extensions/applications inside Thailand and using mobile fingerprint scanners to randomly check on overstayers.
Michael ********
Vast array of answers.
Yes its a requirement for everyone was introduced few years ago. They stopped doing it during covid travel but now its back.
Yes its a requirement for everyone was introduced few years ago. They stopped doing it during covid travel but now its back.
Aron **********
it's mostly for people who are on work permit I was told once and some others is just random.also happens when you got to Malaysia for everyone
Brian *******
It is required for all visitors, however when the system knows you, it is not required. Late last year for example I did not have to fingerprint.
One thing to remember with fingerprinting - the fingers prior to yours on that reader have been up noses, scratching arseholes, balls, pubes, and festering sores. Be very sure to use the hand cleaner provided!! ☠️☠️💩💩
One thing to remember with fingerprinting - the fingers prior to yours on that reader have been up noses, scratching arseholes, balls, pubes, and festering sores. Be very sure to use the hand cleaner provided!! ☠️☠️💩💩
John *******
Well you must have been sleeping upon your entry to Thailand it's not new it's been like that for several years it's not old school finger print with ink pad it's a scan of your thumbs and finger tips and facial scan upon entry nothing new
Dan ********
I’ve never not had my fingerprints done entering Thailand 👀😅
David **********
@Dan *******
there would have been early trials but it wasnt even brought up as a proposal until 2014.Dan ********
Dan ********
@David *********
either way, I’m not about to get into an argument with you, I had my fingerprints taken every-time I’ve entered 🙄😅David **********
@Dan *******
well biometric collection didnt begin until July 1 2019.************************************************************************************
*****
96/immigration-biometricsReply to
David **********
Reply
David **********
@Dan *******
you havent been visiting for long then as its only been a thing for the last few years.Dan ********
@David *********
Hmm 🤔 first time I went was 10 years ago & it was a thing then 😅David **********
@Dan *******
it wasnt introduced until *********
so I think you are mistaken there.Dan ********
@David *********
must’ve been tripping then ay 🥴Reply to
Dan ********
Reply
J ******************
Not new at all .
Ricky ******
Scanned every time
Andrew ***********
@Kate ***********
that's why lol. Not a new thing, and reason is updated technology.Audrey ********
Yes, and when you leave, they scan again. Just left BKK last week.
Kim *********
@Audrey *******
yes of course they doReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Gary **********
Been doing it for years
Otto *********
This is "normal" since several years. The first time immigration wants all 10 fingers taken, afterwards only both thumbs.
But don't let you be fooled, that would be to reduce terrorism. This is simply another way yet to control all and everybody. With todays databases and applications no problem. They know more about you than you would suspect. 😡🤮
But don't let you be fooled, that would be to reduce terrorism. This is simply another way yet to control all and everybody. With todays databases and applications no problem. They know more about you than you would suspect. 😡🤮
Jo **********
it’s been around for a long time I don’t understand what the issue is. they do it many countries
Adrian ******
Yeh like no problem unless you left your prints & DNA at your last murder
Steve *******
Biometrics, it's been around for years, not only Thailand.
Nick *********
Why do you care ? Your passport identifies you anyway. It's not like they don't already know who you are.
Kate ************
ORIGINAL POSTERThe last time I was in Thailand was December 2018
Todd *********
big brother is all over us. Plus photo for facial recognition to assist immigration officers in tracking people down.
Marco ********
Happens since at least 5 years on every border. PISCES system.
Brandon ************
The first time I came to Thailand in 2020 there was a fingerprint scanner at the airport entry for immigration and there has been every time since then. They also make you remove your mask and take a photo of you. All standard biometrics for many countries nowadays.
Arnold *****
yes every time
Reply to
Arnold *****
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