Thai Consular Affairs Goes Digital

The Department of Consular Affairs has begun a major transformation, evolving into a fully electronic department this year. The shift involves the incorporation of technology and AI into its operations, marked by the introduction of new icons and a suite of enhanced e-Consular services.

A key feature of this digital transformation is the e-Passport system, which stores biometric data, including facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans, in line with ICAO standards. The e-Visa system, an online visa application platform, currently extends to 38 offices across 23 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia. It's set for expansion in early 2024 to include 11 more offices in 9 countries, with support for an additional 15 languages.

The department has also implemented e-legalization, an electronic document certification system that enables users to track the status of their documents for international use, complete with hologram stickers for forgery prevention. E-help is another crucial service, an online system designed to assist and evacuate Thai citizens in violent or disaster situations worldwide. The e-Complaint system, developed to receive a variety of complaints online, is connected to the government's central complaint center for prompt and thorough resolutions.

Further enhancing accessibility, the department has launched a Thai consular mobile application, providing a range of consular information and services, including an emergency SOS system, internet calls, automated Q&A, and embassy location services, all accessible via fingerprint authentication. The Consular index is a comprehensive compilation of statistical data on global consular activities, aiding in effective budget allocation. The Overseas Voting Monitoring System (OVMS) ensures that embassies conduct elections in compliance with regulations, offering real-time tracking of election statuses and supporting remote voting.

The department has also introduced an e-Consular manual, serving as an extensive knowledge base for consular officers globally, facilitating quick access to information and communication with the central office.