The government has announced stricter measures for SIM card registration to combat rising online fraud.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will implement Liveness Detection technology nationwide, effective from Aug 18.
The system will apply to all new mobile subscribers, both prepaid and post-paid, as well as existing users replacing SIM cards while keeping the same number. The technology verifies identity in real time through facial recognition, similar to banking applications.
This prevents scammers from using photos, videos or 3D masks to impersonate others, a loophole that previously enabled fraudulent SIM registration, he said.
Mobile users must register in person or through applications provided by service operators, service centres, authorised dealers and retail outlets. All documents must be original and valid.
Thai nationals must present their national ID card, foreigners a passport, and corporate users a company certificate, along with other identification.
