Thailand is set to introduce a new biometric system to help identify and monitor undocumented migrant workers in the country. The move aims to improve public health services and make it easier for authorities to manage disease outbreaks among people without proper identification.
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin shared that Thailand is currently home to around 5.3 million foreign nationals, out of which about 1.2 million do not have the proper documents. This makes it difficult for the government to track them and offer essential services.
To solve this issue, the Thai Red Cross Society, together with the Department of Disease Control and NECTEC, has developed a biometric system. This system will use facial recognition and iris scanning to collect personal information and create proper identity records for undocumented migrants.
Why is this system important?
Minister Somsak explained that undocumented individuals often miss out on vaccinations or treatment because they have no identity records. This poses serious risks during disease outbreaks or natural disasters, when fast access to care is needed.
With this new biometric system, authorities will be able to offer healthcare at the right time, to the right people. It will also help during emergencies, as those in need can now be identified and given support.
The National Communicable Disease Committee has approved the system in principle. The next step is for the Public Health, Labour, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Ministries, along with the Royal Thai Police and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to work together with the Thai Red Cross Society to finalize the system and draft clear operating procedures.
The final plan will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval, ensuring that Thailand’s public health services can reach everyone, including those without legal documentation.