Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs chaired the kick off meeting for the new e Passport Project (Phase 4)

On 25 November 2024, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, chaired the kick-off meeting for the new e-Passport Project (Phase 4), which was chosen to be part of the Integrity Pact for the Budget Year 2025. Also in attendance were Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Worawoot Pongprapapant, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, Mrs. Phattaraporn Varasab, Financial and Fiscal System Development Consultant from the Comptroller General's Department, and Mrs. Wasana Sutthidechanai, a Committee Member for Promoting the Integrity Pact Program from the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand.

On this occasion, the Permanent Secretary signed the Integrity Pact with Dr. Sumontha Tanvongval, who will lead a team to observe the procurement process of the e-Passport Project from the drafting of the Terms of Reference (TOR). It is anticipated that the e-bidding for the Project will be launched in early 2025. The next generation of Thailand's e-passports are to be rolled out in 2026 and will have a new design, including a colour photo of the passport holder in response to the public demand and keeping up with the more advanced security printing technology in accordance with the ICAO standard.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to continuously improve people-centered consular services by utilizing innovation to enhance efficiency and speed, as well as expanding service channels and accessibility. The new features of e-passport service will include online passport renewal for applicants over 20 years old, while the current self-service passport enrollment kiosks will be upgraded to be more user-friendly and secure.