Thailand will implement an automated biometric identification system using facial recognition technology in six of its major airports by the end of the year.

The system, announced by the Airport Authority of Thailand's director Kirati Kitmanawat, will be available for domestic travelers on November 1 and for international travelers on December 1.

Passengers will need to present their physical identification only once at check-in, either at the counter or via self-service kiosks.

The system will then collect and store their biometric data and travel itineraries electronically.

This allows passengers to move from baggage drop to boarding gate without needing to present passports or boarding passes, with each registration covering a single journey.

The airports adopting this system include Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport.

Kirati Kitmanawat noted a nearly 20% increase in passenger numbers this September and October compared to last year, with expectations for even higher numbers in the coming year.