Bangkok: Police are tightening security measures! They are using biometrics to screen foreigners to prevent crime, emphasizing that it will not affect tourism. Today, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaturaphat Phiromkaew, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, revealed that the Immigration Bureau (IB) of the Royal Thai Police has enhanced screening and inspection measures for foreigners entering and exiting Thailand at all entry points, including international airports and border checkpoints nationwide, to prevent those who may disguise themselves as tourists from committing crimes or breaking the law within the country.
According to Thai News Agency, the deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police confirmed that these measures are preventative measures applied equally to individuals of all nationalities. There is no specific focus on scrutiny of any particular group. They adhere to international standards for screening those with high-risk behaviors, such as unusually frequent entries and exits, visa use inappropriate for their intended purpose, or suspicious information from the Interpol and security intelligence databases.
Regarding operational measures, the Royal Thai Police have instructed all immigration checkpoints to increase the rigor of their inspections, using biometric systems and international databases to prevent document forgery, illegal immigration, and the travel of suspected groups potentially involved in human trafficking, illegal labor, call center crimes, money laundering, and new forms of transnational crime networks that are growing in popularity.
Despite these stricter measures, all officers are being urged to adhere to human rights principles to avoid disrupting the travel of tourists. The aim is to ensure the safety and confidence of the public and all tourists. All measures are in line with the government's and the Royal Thai Police's policies to concretely enhance the prevention of transnational crime. Meanwhile, National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, has instructed that officials involved are strictly prohibited from soliciting bribes. Any violations will be severely punished with both criminal and disciplinary action.