Starting on July 1, the Immigration Bureau will roll out a biometric identification system at immigration checkpoints nationwide.
The bureau invested 2.16 billion baht for the system, which can identify a person by matching fingerprints and faces. The technology is based on a system created by Dermalog, the largest German biometrics manufacturer and a leader in biometrics innovation.
The Immigration Bureau believes the new system will enhance national safety and security, said Lt Gen Tinaphat Phumarin, commissioner of the Police Logistics Office, who is in charge of the biometric project.
About 2,000 biometric scanners will be installed in 170 immigration checkpoints including airports, sea and land border safety services. The pilot test was recently launched at Phuket International Airport, which has installed 76 machines.
The automated biometric identification system will help identify fake passports and those who are blacklisted, he said.
Thailand will be the fifth country in Southeast Asia to implement the system after Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei.
Museum pass
The National Discovery Museum Institute (NDMI) has joined hands with CP All to offer the Muse Pass via 7-Eleven outlets.
The pass is a one-time 299 baht payment card that offers access to 55 museums and learning centres, including Museum Siam on Sanam Chai Road, The Queen Gallery on Ratchadamnoen Road, Tooney Toy Museum on Srisaman Road in Nonthaburi, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Chon Buri, Arts in Paradise (the 3D art gallery) in Chiang Mai and the Phuket Aquarium.
Visit http://bit.ly/2LCXP6B
AIRLINES UPDATE
- Thai Vietjet will increase its flights between Bangkok and Taichung in Taiwan from five times a week to daily, starting on June 20.
The flight will depart from Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 8.50am every Tuesday and Thursday and 9am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The departure time from Taichung International Airport will be 2.30pm daily. The travel time is about three hours and 30 minutes.
Visit http://vietjetair.com.
- Thai AirAsia will launch its first direct flight between Phuket and Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 2.
Available three times a week, the flight will depart from Phuket International Airport at 9.20pm, while the return trip from Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta is at 1.25am. The travel time will be about three hours. Booking is available today for travel from July 2 to Oct 29.
Visit http://airasia.com.
HOTEL DEALS & UPDATE
- Hyatt Regency Hua Hin is starting its five-month renovation project on its 130 guest rooms, the main swimming pool, You & Mee Restaurant and Figs Restaurant.
The property is opened as usual.
The hotel expects that the swimming pool and two restaurants will be reopened in early August. The renovation work for guest rooms will be completed by September.
The rooms will have a new contemporary design with better living spaces and enhanced bathrooms.
Located on the long beach of Khao Takiap area, the resort features 213 rooms including suites and pool villas, five restaurants, beach bar, a ballroom, six function rooms and a spa.
Visit http://bit.ly/2Hi0JK1.
- Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa in Phangnga has launched its "Summer Deal 2019" promotion.
The resort offers a 50% discount on the second night when booking a pool villa (with a 5.5m by 4m private swimming pool). Prices for a night stay start at 9,377 baht.
The promotion is available until Oct 31.
Situated on a 48 rai plot of land on Thai Muang Beach, the property features 14 private Pool Villas (165m²) and one Grand Ocean Villa (890m²), which can accommodate up to eight guests. Other facilities include a restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, spa, a tennis court and a fitness centre.
The resort is about 40km north of Phuket International Airport. It also provides a free shuttle service to Khao Lak or to the city of Phuket.
Visit http://wanakarnresort.com.
- Mason Pattaya has launched "Exclusive Pre-Opening" Promotion to offer 40% discount.
Available for booking and stay until June 30, the package includes daily breakfast for two, early check-in or late check-out and complimentary 45-minute massage for two guests who book a minimum of two nights stay.
Located on Na Chom Thian beach, the property features 35 pool villas ranging from one bedroom (90m²) to two-bedroom pool villa (180m²), a restaurant, beach bar, swimming pool, clubhouse, spa and fitness centre.
Visit http://masonpattaya.com.
Email karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th if you have any comments to share.
