A proposal by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to track tourists’ location with a new kind of SIM card is still being mulled over as they seek the counsel of tourism authorities, tour agents and police.
The proposal has already gain the approval of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, reported The Nation.
Pongsathorn Chansri, an official from the Ministry, highlighted how beneficial the SIM card would be in apprehending tourists who have committed a crime in Thailand.
“It will be helpful if any foreigner comes and commits crimes because, in the past, they have been able to flee or it can be difficult to find them,” he said.
According to NBTC Secretary-General Takorn Tantasith, only a court order would permit authorities to track tourists through their SIM cards.
Takorn said it will not be necessary for expats in Thailand to use the location-tracking SIM as they already have their details registered with authorities when applying for a mobile phone service.
At the press conference yesterday, it was reported that there was very little information provided about the proposal by those in charge.
The proposal’s cost or when it could go into effect was also reportedly not addressed at the press conference.
No detail have been given about whether tourists forced to use these location-tracking SIM cards would have to purchase them or be given them free-of-charge.
