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