Thailand’s Criminal Records Division has introduced new regulations requiring foreign nationals to undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks for several official applications.
Under the updated rules, fingerprint verification is now mandatory for nine categories of applications, including key Immigration Bureau procedures such as permanent residency applications and visa extension requests.
The new requirements also apply to Thai citizenship applications processed by the Department of Provincial Administration, according to The Nation.
Authorities said criminal record checks will no longer be conducted using only an applicant’s full name. Instead, fingerprints must be provided to accurately verify an individual’s identity and complete the screening process.
The fingerprint requirement applies to all foreign nationals requesting criminal background checks in Thailand.
Applicants must also submit an official letter from the relevant government agency or organisation when applying for the screening.
According to the Bangkok Post, the fingerprinting process must be completed annually at a police station.
The yearly requirement coincides with the Royal Thai Police’s annual database maintenance, during which investigation records of individuals who were cleared of charges, not prosecuted or acquitted by the courts are removed.
The new regulations are expected to affect foreigners applying for long-term immigration status and other government-related procedures in Thailand.
