Biometric Data Collected From Travelers at Tachileik Airport

By Network Media Group
Friday, April 5, 2024

Travellers at Tachileik airport in eastern Shan State are being asked to submit biometric data, sources close to staff employed in the air industry have told NMG. Staff reportedly started collecting a copy of their national identity card, a photo, fingerprints, and information about their face starting April 5.

One of the sources said that at this time, it’s not mandatory for travellers to submit this information, and if they want, they can refuse to comply. However, this could change.

“They’ll say something and then do something else, so it’s hard to trust them. We will wait and see what the situation is.”

Staff said they need to confirm travelers’ info in the Tachileik airport because some people’s data was incorrect after they changed their national ID card to a smart card last month.

However, some people think it’s because of the new national conscription law, and the Military Council will use it to gather information about potential recruits. They say anyone between 18 to 35, the ages required to perform military service, should refuse to participate in the data collection process.

A ticket person pointed out there are no direct flights from Yangon to Bangkok or to Chiang Mai. Youths traveling to Thailand must fly to Tachileik and cross the border to Mae Sai.

“Some people said there are no tickets left because of the Songkran Water Festival, but that’s nonsense. There are not many people traveling amid the political crisis in the country. The real reason is that many youths are leaving the country because of the national conscription law and forced recruitment. The Military Council knows this and that’s why it’s collecting biometric data from travelers at the airport. If they cannot recruit the youths, they will probably extort money from their families.”

The passport office in Shan State announced they can only issue passports to those people who have acquired smart cards as their ID. Very few youths have done this.

The Tachileik airport was upgraded last month, and flight service is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.