E-passport system improved for Thai

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has held a meeting of Thai consulate officials from across the globe to discuss ways to effectively issue passports to Thai citizens abroad, with an emphasis on the newly improved e-passport issuing system. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul presided over the meeting, which is held during August 20-24 under the theme “Go Beyond Routine” to urge consulate officials to think outside the box and provide effective services to Thai expatriates. Mr Surapong told the officials to place an emphasis on passport and visa issuing services, which are their major tasks. Since e-passport has been on high demand, new technology has been developed with more safety features. The new device, now in use, requires scanning of all 10 fingerprints of a passport applicant. Previously the issue of passports required only a thumbprint. The Foreign Minister added the computerized and online system have been improved to prevent hackers. He asked the participating officials to discuss appropriate ways to dispose of the old passport issuing machines, to avoid them ended up being just junks. The meeting was also aimed at informing the officials about diplomatic policies, as well as current economic and political situations in Thailand. From thainews BANGKOK, 22 August 2012 (NNT) – The Foreign Affairs Ministry has held a meeting of Thai consulate officials from across the globe to discuss ways to effectively issue passports to Thai citizens abroad, with an emphasis on the newly improved e-passport issuing system. Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul presided over the meeting, which is held during August 20-24 under the theme “Go Beyond Routine” to urge consulate officials to think outside the box and provide effective services to Thai expatriates. Mr Surapong told the officials to place an emphasis on passport and visa issuing services, which are their major tasks. Since e-passport has been on high demand, new technology has been developed with more safety features. The new device, now in use, requires scanning of all 10 fingerprints of a passport applicant. Previously the issue of passports required only a thumbprint. The Foreign Minister added the computerized and online system have been improved to prevent hackers. He asked the participating officials to discuss appropriate ways to dispose of the old passport issuing machines, to avoid them ended up being just junks. The meeting was also aimed at informing the officials about diplomatic policies, as well as current economic and political situations in Thailand. From thainews