The Ministry of Transport is considering using biometric technology for facial scanning of air passengers, initially at five provincial airports, as a pilot project under a plan to develop smart airports across the country.

Deputy Transport Minister Thaworn Senneam said today that a working committee, comprising representatives of the Department of Airports under the Transport Ministry, the Royal Thai Police Office and the Ministry of Interior, has been set up to conduct a study into the use of biometric scanning systems.

He said biometrics are widely used at airports in Europe, the Americas and in Singapore, with Malaysia currently studying the system.

Mr. Thaworn stressed the need for biometric scanning systems in airports in Thailand, an important aviation hub in Asia, claiming the systems will cut check-in times by half and, in the future, might allow passengers to check in without the need to show their passports or ID cards.

The deputy transport minister also claimed that a recently updated biometric system makes it possible for passengers to check in at their hotels, before departing for the airport.

The five provincial airports slated to be part of the trial are Krabi, Surat Thani, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen.

In addition to the facial scanning system, Mr. Thaworn said the Transport Ministry is planning to make it more convenient for passengers, using the five provincial airports, by arranging rest areas and work spaces for them while they wait for their flights.