The implementation of the new Thai national ID card is the largest project in the world combining smart national ID cards with fingerprint information using Match-on-Card. The biometric solution is developed by Precise Biometrics and the project aims to roll out 64 million ID cards to Thai citizens.

The challenge
The Thai authorities wants to replace their existing ID card with a smart and secure alternative due to problems with forgery, identity theft and false or multiple identities. By adding digital fingerprint information on the new smart ID cards and thereby physically tying the card to a specific individual, the Thai authorities will reduce their risks in the future.

The challenge was to increase security with a smart ID card containing fingerprint information and make sure that Thai authorities will regain control of the ID card.

How it works
With Precise Match-on-Card™, the Thai government is able to control the functions on the new ID card and link it to the bearer. The matching of the fingerprint takes place inside the card, not in the reader. This eliminates the risks of people tampering with fingerprint readers, thus reducing the risk of fraud. It is practically impossible to extract the fingerprint information from the card. This both secures the personal integrity of the card holder and reduces the risk of fraud.

Result
The roll out of the new Thai national ID cards started during 2005 and today approximately 10 million cards are rolled out. When completed, 64 million cards will have been issued to Thai citizens who will carry a national ID card containing their fingerprint. 24,000 fingerprint readers are already in daily use and today it is possible for Thai citizens equipped with the new card to identify themselves when using several governmental services.

Future
In addition to traditional usage, the ID cards will be used in several different contexts, such as education ID card, and as government ID cards. Thai authorities are also looking in to other areas of usage. Precise Match-on-Card™ offers several possibilities to expand the usage of the card to commercial use, such as stores checking the identity of mobile phone buyers, or car rental services needing to identify customers.

» Case study (PDF)