The telecom regulator has tried to ease concerns about the requirement for tourists to use traceable SIM cards, saying the plan is not set in stone and will need to go through public hearings and several procedures before it can be implemented.
At least five and maybe six public hearings will be held before the regulator launches the special SIM cards, tentatively set over the next six months, said Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The idea of tourist SIM cards, aimed at boosting national security, originated at a meeting in Phuket of the Asean Telecommunication Regulations' Council. Among the 10 Asean countries, Malaysia is the only country using them.
- Earlier story: Tourists baulk at SIM tracking
If the plan is approved in the final stage, the NBTC might allow the SIMs to be valid for another 30-45 days after tourists depart the country.
Mr Takorn said the NBTC had meant well when adopting the plan. "We have no right to violate tourists’ privacy ... If we disclose personal information without a court warrant, we could face five years in jail," he said.
From January to July this year, 19.06 million foreign tourists visited Thailand, an increase of 12% year-on-year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.
An NBTC panel on Wednesday approved in principle to require tourists seeking to buy SIM cards in Thailand to use only the traceable type. Those on roaming services and expatriates will not be affected.