Answered4 years ago
Is fingerprint scanning at Thai immigration a new requirement for visitors?
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?
I’ve been to Thailand 5 times and that never happened to me.
What is the reason for that?
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.
60 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
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.
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 ********
haha
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 scans
David ***********
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-biometricsDavid **********
@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 😅Dan ********
@David *********
must’ve been tripping then ay 🥴David **********
@Dan *******
it wasnt introduced until *********
so I think you are mistaken there.
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 do
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 ************
OPThe 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
Activity
50 joined50
people
Related
25Is the THIM app operational for arrival cards in Thailand as of October?
3.4k30152mo
Can I cancel my ED Plus visa in Thailand if I've completed my studies but haven't graduated, and how will it affect my future visa applications?
1.3k11142mo
What happens if you finish your course in Thailand on a DTV and try to re-enter?
8.4k72952mo
Is the Thailand visa exemption still 60 days or has it reverted to 30 days?
708493mo
Do I need to hold 500k baht in my account for 3-6 months to apply for the Thai DTV as a digital nomad?
45937mo
Is it common for Thai immigration officers to stamp passports on random pages?
4.6k35488mo
What are the requirements for applying for a NON-O visa in Vientiane, Laos including the financial aspect?
4812110mo
Can you do a border run on your own with a DTV visa in Thailand?
6353410mo
Can I apply for a visa extension while traveling in Thailand and then return to the UK before re-entering Thailand later?
3.7k26461y
What are the experiences and challenges faced by expats with the DTV e-visa in Thailand?
10.8k831381y
What should I do if my DTAC registration departure date is not accepting my UK departure date for Thailand?
2.1k6291y
How long does it take to process a DTV application after submitting in Vientiane?
1.1k511y
Do I need to have my landlord file a new TM30 when returning to my rental villa after staying in a hotel in Thailand?
2.7k20262y
What steps do I need to take to obtain a retiree visa in Thailand and what are the costs involved?
1.5k4282y
What is the process for extending a tourist visa in Thailand for someone arriving without a consulate application?
753422y
Can you apply for a Non-immigrant O visa while already in Thailand?
1.7k7123y
Will I have any problems later since only one hand's fingerprints were scanned at immigration in Thailand?
3.8k30303y
What is the procedure for applying for a retirement extension to a non-immigrant O visa in Thailand?
1.3k5203y
Where can I obtain a re-entry permit for my Retirement Visa in Thailand?
1.8k10234y
Can I travel domestically in Thailand with an invalid passport and a new passport without stamps while waiting for my visa extension?
964665y
Is it normal for the Thai immigration to delay contacting for a house inspection after extending my Non-O visa?
1.2k796y
Is it possible to enter Thailand using an ED visa from a private language school since COVID?
1.2k896y
Can I be denied entry to Thailand on a tourist visa if I visit too often?
51447y
Can you do the online 90-day reporting in Thailand if your TM30 is not current?
1k757y
What are the TM6 card requirements for Sakhon Nakhon immigration and online 90-day reporting issues?
925578y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served