Loopholes Uncovered In Thai E-passport Scheme

[george]

Loopholes uncovered in e-passport scheme

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government's electronic passport (e-passport) scheme was thrown into jeopardy yesterday by damning condemnation from the House of Representatives' sub-committee on information and communications technology (ICT), which warned that the confidentiality of the personal data belonging to e-passport holders could be compromised unless the Ministry of Foreign Affairs closes several loopholes.

"After listening to the information, the sub-committee raised issues concerning the 120-day period for establishing and developing the system, a period which we regard as being too short", sub-committee chair Khun Ying Kalaya Sophonpanich told reporters.

"As a result, the installation system will be ineffective. There have been no attempts to link automatic doors with the e-passports; so passport holders won't be able to pass through the doors", she noted.

The sub-committee voiced its concern after talks with the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chanwanich Co., the private sector company responsible for issuing and developing the e-passports.

Khun Ying Kalaya said that the sub-committee was concerned that the personal data of e-passport holders would not be secured, and noted that representatives from Chanwanich Co. had been unable to satisfactorily answer the committee's queries.

She also questioned the training given to officials, saying that many would be unable to operate the new system.

At the same time, she said, there was no backup system in place should the main system fail due to the outbreak of fire, or any other unexpected occurrence.

--TNA 2005-06-22

[spog]

Loopholes uncovered in e-passport scheme 

"After listening to the information, the sub-committee raised issues concerning the 120-day period for establishing and developing the system, a period which we regard as being too short", sub-committee chair Khun Ying Kalaya Sophonpanich told reporters.

"As a result, the installation system will be ineffective. There have been no attempts to link automatic doors with the e-passports; so passport holders won't be able to pass through the doors", she noted.

Khun Ying Kalaya said that the sub-committee was concerned that the personal data of e-passport holders would not be secured, and noted that representatives from Chanwanich Co. had been unable to satisfactorily answer the committee's queries.

--TNA 2005-06-22

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Anyone know what the heck's she's talking about?

Automatic doors? What automatic doors? Does she mean the automatic gates at the airport which open with a passport?

Edited June 23, 2005 by spog

[mnoorsapl]

seems like 120 days is not enough to develop a system. Need more time ? maybe more $$$.

[spog]

It was a stupidly short time. But it all got done in time as it was launched a couple of weeks ago along with the usual big press stuff.

I really don't understand any of her comments though. Is this a bad translation of a Thai article or just very bad reporting?

[mnoorsapl]

more likely wrong translation.

[midas]

A Malaysian guy I was speaking to at the weekend said this was not a giod idea.

Malysia has already experimeted with it and they are now wrooroed about the security of their passport details because the same company is also involved with NIGERIA. Is there any need to say more ?!

[spog]

more likely wrong translation.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There's no version of the article in Thai. Must be the high standards of journalism we've come to expect.

A Malaysian guy I was speaking to at the weekend said this was not a giod idea.

Malysia has already experimeted with it and they are now wrooroed about the security of their passport details because the same company is also involved with NIGERIA. Is there any need to say more ?!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Um, just because the're involved in Nigeria, doesn't make them a risky company.

I believe that Toyota sells cars to Nigeria - so therefore we should be wary of Toyotas?

[Plus+]

Thailand is the first country in Asia to introduce e-passports. That's the motive. To be ahead of Japan or Korea.

E-passports will increase the security and stop the terrorists who wish to enter the US using fake Thai passports. That's the reasoning.

There's only one company that will supply all the passports to all Thai citizens once it becomes compulsory (in October, I think). That's the reward.