Illustrative image (Photo: AFP/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) - New SIM card buyers in Thailand have been required to register a fingerprint or facial scan when buying a SIM card.
The regulation was applied across the country from February as part of the Thai Government’s efforts to tighten management of mobile phone subscribers, thus ensuring security and preventing terrorist attacks and hi-tech crimes as well.
Information of mobile subscribers and their fingerprints or faces will be sent to the national database system operated by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, which activates SIM cards after fulfilling checking in line with regulations.
All new pre-paid or post-paid mobile subscribers, including foreigners, are requested to go through the procedure.
Local authorities said almost mobile SIM card suppliers in Thailand are ready for the procedure with necessary equipment. In southern provinces, where terrorist bomb attacks activated by smart phones usually happen, the biometric registration for SIM cards began in early 2017.
As Thailand is promoting electronic society and online payment, the new regulation is hoped to help local authorities prevent hi-tech crimes and ensure cyber security.-VNA
VNA
