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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
2 years ago
Kate ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I 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?
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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.
Ron *********
Did you fall off a hot air balloon into Thailand?
2 years ago
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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.
2 years ago
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Ronald *********
When depart through Suvarmabhumi immigration, you have to place fingers of both hands in scanner.
2 years ago
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Andy ********
It's pretty much standard in most countries ...... why are you worried.....on the run maybe!!
2 years ago
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Dan ***********
Every time you come through immigration at the airport they take your fingerprint. Any international airport in country.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Also land borders. Not everyone comes by air.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
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Jake ********
Make a big fuss about it next time you go, let us know how it goes.
2 years ago
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Martin *********
Been happening for about 7 years
2 years ago
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Ralphy *****
Kate is about to be finger printed
2 years ago
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Mitchell *******
@Kate ***********
 How did you arrive to Thailand?
2 years ago
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Mitchell *******
Finger print scan every time
2 years ago
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Janne ***********
normal procedure!
2 years ago
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Brad **********
Everyone was having them taken when we arrived last June!
2 years ago
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Jo ******
No form filling in anymore for VOA, biometrics, stamp, be on your way... normal for most countries now.
2 years ago
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Jesse *******
Same indonesia same many countries it's normal now
2 years ago
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Patrick ********
Yes just went though passport control checking people's good character.
2 years ago
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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.
2 years ago
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Andrew ********
Yes, normal fingerprint scan and photo at passport control.
2 years ago
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Harris **********
You got something thing to hide 🤔
2 years ago
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Frank **********
Welcome to Big Brother where the government tracks your movements.
2 years ago
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Carlo ********
E normale sei arretrato
2 years ago
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Diego *********
It's required, a Russian couple arriving at Phuket international refused to, and got themselves a ride back to Mother Russia.
2 years ago
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Paul *******
Really? You can refuse but compelling reasons need to apply and you will definitely delay your entry into the country
2 years ago
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Christopher *************
@Diego ********
 haha
2 years ago
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Christopher *************
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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
2 years ago
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Bobby ********
Normal now, has been for about 4-5 years. No big deal
2 years ago
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Gary *********
Every time in the last
***
years I got finger and face scans
2 years ago
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David ***********
They always do it at Immigration. Just a hand scan. Easy
2 years ago
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Donna ************
Yes, fingerprints taken Thailand Airports, in Vietnam now and Malaysia
2 years ago
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Andy ******
Fingerprints and photo taken every time entering ,same on way out of Thailand
2 years ago
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Will ************
Wait until they start doing it for visa extensions/applications inside Thailand and using mobile fingerprint scanners to randomly check on overstayers.
2 years ago
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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.
2 years ago
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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
2 years ago
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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!! ☠️☠️💩💩
2 years ago
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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
2 years ago
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Dan ********
I’ve never not had my fingerprints done entering Thailand 👀😅
2 years ago
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David **********
@Dan *******
 there would have been early trials but it wasnt even brought up as a proposal until 2014.
2 years ago
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Dan ********
@David *********
 🥱
2 years ago
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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 🙄😅
2 years ago
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David **********
@Dan *******
 well biometric collection didnt begin until July 1 2019.

************************************************************************************
*****
96/immigration-biometrics
2 years ago
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David **********
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David **********
@Dan *******
 you havent been visiting for long then as its only been a thing for the last few years.
2 years ago
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Dan ********
@David *********
 Hmm 🤔 first time I went was 10 years ago & it was a thing then 😅
2 years ago
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David **********
@Dan *******
 it wasnt introduced until
*********
so I think you are mistaken there.
2 years ago
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Dan ********
@David *********
 must’ve been tripping then ay 🥴
2 years ago
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Dan ********
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J ******************
Not new at all .
2 years ago
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Ricky ******
Scanned every time
2 years ago
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Andrew ***********
@Kate ***********
 that's why lol. Not a new thing, and reason is updated technology.
2 years ago
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Audrey ********
Yes, and when you leave, they scan again. Just left BKK last week.
2 years ago
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Kim *********
@Audrey *******
 yes of course they do
2 years ago
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Kim *********
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Gary **********
Been doing it for years
2 years ago
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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. 😡🤮
2 years ago
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Jo **********
it’s been around for a long time I don’t understand what the issue is. they do it many countries
2 years ago
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Adrian ******
Yeh like no problem unless you left your prints & DNA at your last murder
2 years ago
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Steve *******
Biometrics, it's been around for years, not only Thailand.
2 years ago
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Nick *********
Why do you care ? Your passport identifies you anyway. It's not like they don't already know who you are.
2 years ago
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Kate ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
The last time I was in Thailand was December 2018
2 years ago
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Todd *********
big brother is all over us. Plus photo for facial recognition to assist immigration officers in tracking people down.
2 years ago
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Marco ********
Happens since at least 5 years on every border. PISCES system.
2 years ago
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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.
2 years ago
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Arnold *****
yes every time
2 years ago
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Arnold *****
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