Thailand uses facial recognition technology in disease control

Eye and facial recognition technology will be used in a pilot project in Thailand, aimed at improving healthcare services for foreign workers, refugees and ethnic people in five provinces, the Thai Department of Disease Control has said.
Thailand uses facial recognition technology in disease control ảnh 1Illustrative image (Source: Xinhua/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) - Eye and facial recognition technology will be used in a pilot project in Thailand, aimed at improving healthcare services for foreign workers, refugees and ethnic people in five provinces, the Thai Department of Disease Control has said.

The project has been developed by the department's partners, including the Thai Red Cross Society and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec).

It aims to collect the patient data of people who have lost their documents to prove their identity.

This groundbreaking facial recognition initiative will be implemented in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Tak, and Chon Buri provinces.

Following the promising results of a smaller-scale pilot project conducted last year, which successfully collected the identities of 60,000 individuals, the department is now expanding the project to cover five provinces. In preparation, they are organising documents, equipment, and training courses for staff and local public health volunteers.

Department Chief Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong highlighted the potential positive impact of implementing facial recognition technology in providing essential healthcare services to the targeted groups.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the department encountered challenges in following up with non-documented groups on issues related to infections or vaccinations.

As Dr. Tares explained, these individuals lack the appropriate documents to verify their identities. Additionally, temporary number codes issued by the authorities can go missing when individuals relocate.

Therefore, eye and facial recognition technology proves to be a valuable asset in disease control and managing healthcare services effectively./.
VNA

See more