InfoQuest (January 20, 2020) -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Provincial Administration, the Department of Land Transport and the Thai Social Security Office, for development of an identity verification system through electronic identity cards on mobile phones, also known as "Mobile ID" or "alternative cards", and conducted the first test with Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Bangkok Bank at its office.
Mr. Thakon Tanthasit, secretary-general of the NBTC, said Thailand is scheming to push the country into the digital economy era. In particular, as mobile phone services in the telecoms sector have involved the financial sector, personal security has become even more important. So, in the past period of time the NBTC has developed a system for identifying and verifying identities through electronic identity cards on mobile phones, also known as "Mobile ID" or "alternative cards".
The agency has also set about testing the system with Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), a subsidiary of Advanced Info Service (AIS) and Bangkok Bank to facilitate and secure transactions in the digital age. Now it planned to extend the pilot phase of the Mobile ID service to government agencies, namely the Department of Provincial Administration and the Department of Land Transport, seeking to jointly provide services for the public in the future and promote the use of digital identity cards.
"Adopting the Mobile ID system in the pilot phase together with these three government agencies will promote innovation in delivering services to Thai people," said Mr. Thakon. "People can use Mobile ID instead of traditional ID cards to deal with government agencies, and government agencies can utilize the Mobile ID system to provide more services to the public online."
Mr. Korkit Danchaiwijit, deputy secretary-general of the NBTC, said that the Mobile ID system designed was initially available for AIS mobile phone users. During the testing phase, users can register for the trial service at the service center. And then a personal QR code containing the first name, surname, ID number, mobile phone number and face code information will be generated. The use of Mobile ID will be tested in transactions at Bangkok Bank.
By comparing the information contained in the QR code with the real facial image to confirm that it is the same person, it will directly contribute to personal identity verification and user information security. During the sandbox phase, AIS and Bangkok Bank will first conduct the internal testing, and evaluate the results before providing services to the public.
Mr. Jirut Wisansit, director-general of the Department of Land Transport, said that under this tie-up the department will use the Mobile ID system to improve various services provided for the public, such as the issue of driving licenses, registration of some vehicles, and other related services. In the future, the department will mull further development of a comprehensive QR license identification and verification system using the Mobile ID system, as well as applications in other areas such as blockchain.
Mr. Todsaphon Kritwongwiman, secretary-general of the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare, said that the cooperation to develop the Mobile ID project is an important basis for providing various electronic services, and will help people access social security rights faster, more easily, anytime, and anywhere, as well as reduce documents needed, especially ID cards. And the identification and verification system can confirm the real identity of the person who obtain the relevant rights and build up people's trust in the services of the department.
Mr. Venus Seesuk, deputy secretary-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, said the Department of Provincial Administration, as the national civil registration information center, sees the partnership with the NBTC is a great opportunity in data sharing. The Mobile ID system can correctly verify the identity of people using services provided by the department, marking the first step for the public to apply for services without showing ID cards and enabling the department to provide more services to people online.
Mr. Kukkong Ruckphaopunt, executive vice president of Bangkok Bank, said the tie-up can meet various business needs of the bank. In the initial stage, the bank will start to open businesses in some bank accounts for testing the Mobile ID system, with 10 branches involved. If the test results are satisfactory, it is expected that the bank will consider providing services to its ordinary customers in the second quarter of 2020.
Source: InfoQuest, by Saowalak Ouypron / Sasithorn, translated by Xinhua Silk Road
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