File photo for reference only

 

In a major move to combat identity theft and fraud, Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has mandated that all mobile operators implement Liveness Detection Technology for SIM card registration.

 

From Monday, mobile giants like True and Advanced Info Service (AIS) will be required to use this advanced technology for verifying new users. This measure applies to both prepaid and postpaid users, as well as those requesting SIM replacements while retaining their numbers.

 

Liveness Detection Technology ensures that the person registering a SIM is a living individual, not a static image or video. Users will be prompted to perform actions such as blinking or remaining still, akin to modern banking app verifications.

 

This new method replaces the previous system, which relied on static photographs and inadvertently allowed criminals to exploit stolen images.

 

The roll-out of this technology marks a significant step in strengthening the security of personal data. Users will be able to register and authenticate their identity through mobile apps, service centres, and authorised dealers across Thailand.

 

To register, Thai nationals need to present their original national ID card, while non-Thai nationals must provide their passport. For businesses, a certificate of the juristic person and ID proof of authorised representatives are required.

 

The initiative is part of NBTC’s broader commitment to enhancing consumer protection and fostering trust in telecommunications. “The NBTC aims to build a secure digital environment by reducing cyber threats and preventing crimes linked to phone numbers,” stated NBTC commissioner Natthorn Phaosunthon.

 

Service providers are required to comply with NBTC regulations and Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562, ensuring robust security measures are in place.

 

This development in mobile registration technology sets a precedent for safeguarding consumer data and preventing identity-related crimes, helping build a safer digital landscape in Thailand.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-18

 

Why can’t we just go back to using rotary dial phones, paper money and crank cash register machines.

Or they could just stop allowing the country to be flooded with criminals from Russia and China.

It used to be so easy - just walk into the nearest 7/11 and buy the SIM card pack plus some credit , job done . Now I wonder what the procedure will be ? Present PP , buy SIM pack ,insert SIM, then what ? Will the phone work or will there be some sort of app to download then facial recognition ?

4 hours ago, novacova said:

Why can’t we just go back to using rotary dial phones, paper money and crank cash register machines.

I just don't get it. I bought a phone about 8 years ago, still have the original SIM card. agree with paper money, our money is made from plastic, but I agree with cash. In OZ, Somebody got fined for paying with cash for a parking meter 

1 hour ago, John Drake said:

Or they could just stop allowing the country to be flooded with criminals from Russia and China.

And India too

5 hours ago, persimmon said:

It used to be so easy - just walk into the nearest 7/11 and buy the SIM card pack plus some credit , job done . 

 

Exactly same as UK right now - no ID needed to buy a sim card and activate a new pre-paid plan. Expect that western countries will soon also want full verification of identity etc. Lest the subscriber post something on X or Fxxxbook that the authorities don't like. Let alone scammers get involved!!!

 

7 hours ago, John Drake said:

Or they could just stop allowing the country to be flooded with criminals from Russia and China.

 

But you'll get less "tourists" , if you work for TOT , that would be catastrophic.

 

well now we know what this was about

2 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

Exactly same as UK right now - no ID needed to buy a sim card and activate a new pre-paid plan. Expect that western countries will soon also want full verification of identity etc. Lest the subscriber post something on X or Fxxxbook that the authorities don't like. Let alone scammers get involved!!!

 

 

No ID needed in the UK because all the illegal fighting age immigrant males ditch their passports in the sea off Calais. 

1 hour ago, chawbdurian said:

 

well now we know what this was about

 

Who was we?

Do tell us what it was about?

You joined Asean Now last month and yet you are an expoert on Thailand's cyber security now. What was your previous name?

^^^ Down and out Brits have resorted to doing that themselves now to get housing and public services. Travel to Calais, ditch papers, row back!

 

It really was a better world even 10y ago. Everything is just such a darn f’kin hassle now!

10 hours ago, John Drake said:

Or they could just stop allowing the country to be flooded with criminals from Russia and China.

 

The stable, after to close the door, the horse, bolted it has.

45 minutes ago, daveAustin said:

^^^ Down and out Brits have resorted to doing that themselves now to get housing and public services. Travel to Calais, ditch papers, row back!

 

It really was a better world even 10y ago. Everything is just such a darn f’kin hassle now!

 

You're just being silly now. You know full well the reality of that action don't you? If a little Englander turns up in a rubber boat, especially a white skinned little Englander, they will go straight to jail, no cushy hotel, benefits or cellphone.

1 hour ago, daveAustin said:

^^^ Down and out Brits have resorted to doing that themselves now to get housing and public services. Travel to Calais, ditch papers, row back!

 

It really was a better world even 10y ago. Everything is just such a darn f’kin hassle now!

 

sound like a lot of effort for a lot thats is renowned for their laziness.

13 hours ago, John Drake said:

Or they could just stop allowing the country to be flooded with criminals from Russia and China.

No ya, that argument is made up to add even more control.

My phone SIM is still registered in my wifes name, the SIM card never got shutdown, and my bank account and app still work. They must be hoping I'll come in to replace my 8 year old SIM card, just so they can say "we gotcha!"......LOL

11 hours ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

And India too

 Actually, many criminals aren't even in this country - they acquire loads of SIMs and set up bot farms. Hence this move to prove "liveness". 

https://wakeup.sg/phone-bot-farms-social-media-fame/

12 hours ago, persimmon said:

It used to be so easy - just walk into the nearest 7/11 and buy the SIM card pack plus some credit , job done . Now I wonder what the procedure will be ? Present PP , buy SIM pack ,insert SIM, then what ? Will the phone work or will there be some sort of app to download then facial recognition ?

Yea and the Facial  recognition don't work most of the times not even when going to the Bank /Phone office  they even have a lot of trouble to make their stupid system to work.

Technology isn't for the better Most times it create More Problems and cost people lots of time and money to trying to correct  things.

I for one Hate this stuff.

I don't get it, as you have to visit them with your original passport anyway, why do they worry about "static images"? The last time I went to AIS to do the identity verification, THEY took my picture with their tablet.

2 hours ago, Drumbuie said:

 Actually, many criminals aren't even in this country - they acquire loads of SIMs and set up bot farms. Hence this move to prove "liveness". 

https://wakeup.sg/phone-bot-farms-social-media-fame/

Prediction: this new requirement won't put an end to bot farms and scamming.

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Users will be prompted to perform actions such as blinking or remaining still . . . . . 

 

How does "remaining still" fit in with detecting liveness?

8 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

 

No ID needed in the UK because all the illegal fighting age immigrant males ditch their passports in the sea off Calais. 

Sorry ..... they ditched them already before the sea of calais .....more in the Mediterranean  see before entering Europe , that's the E.U. 's problem to send them back as no proof of Nationality

10 hours ago, soi3eddie said:

 

Exactly same as UK right now - no ID needed to buy a sim card and activate a new pre-paid plan. Expect that western countries will soon also want full verification of identity etc. Lest the subscriber post something on X or Fxxxbook that the authorities don't like. Let alone scammers get involved!!!

 

Australia has had the ID requirement for decades now. I was surprised that the UK still has this freedom considering its reputation.

21 hours ago, novacova said:

Why can’t we just go back to using rotary dial phones, paper money and crank cash register machines.

They got recycled.

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

has mandated that all mobile operators implement Liveness Detection Technology for SIM card registration.

 

1984 - Big Brother is watching you!

5 hours ago, Caldera said:

I don't get it, as you have to visit them with your original passport anyway, why do they worry about "static images"? The last time I went to AIS to do the identity verification, THEY took my picture with their tablet.

 

DTAC did the same when I registered my 1-year data SIM for my router. It's a cross-check of the "static image" of the passport registration system and makes sure their sales staff aren't doing dodgy SIM registrations on the side.

 

It's not really a big deal to make sure both the phone company and the bank has the correct information. But as soon as either is blocked because someone can't be arsed to take a few minutes out of their life to do this, they'll be on this forum for hours bitching about it.

7 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

My phone SIM is still registered in my wifes name, the SIM card never got shutdown, and my bank account and app still work. They must be hoping I'll come in to replace my 8 year old SIM card, just so they can say "we gotcha!"......LOL

 

Or, you could be more proactive and get the SIM registered in your name with the phone company. You could bring your wife, but maybe just presenting her ID card will suffice, and they can always call her if she's at work or too busy to help you personally.

 

Unless you crave the drama, of course.

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

 

Or, you could be more proactive and get the SIM registered in your name with the phone company. You could bring your wife, but maybe just presenting her ID card will suffice, and they can always call her if she's at work or too busy to help you personally.

 

Unless you crave the drama, of course.

 

It's attached to our TRUE internet and cable account, which like all the bills here in Thailand, is in her name. Plus, she tried asking them about it, and they said no need to change anything, as the account was setup long before the changes.

9 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

It's attached to our TRUE internet and cable account, which like all the bills here in Thailand, is in her name. Plus, she tried asking them about it, and they said no need to change anything, as the account was setup long before the changes.

 

That makes sense. But, will it make sense to the banks that are under the KYC cosh right now (Know Your Customer)? It could also have ramifications for future immigration business.

 

For example, another thread related to new account opening for a first-time extension, the branch requested a 'letter from the phone company'. It's assumed this is needed to verify that the applicant owns the mobile phone he will be presenting to use with their banking app.

 

This is similar to the provenance that immigration requests with the 'bank letter' that verifies the applicant is the owner if the account being used to support extension renewals.

 

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more!"