Biometric data will be collected from air travelers at Tachileik Airport in eastern Shan State, according to sources close to the airport.
In addition to photocopies of national registration cards, and fingerprints, photos of passengers’ eyes and faces will also be taken from 5 April. However, the measure will not be carried out by force, according to the sources.
A source close to the airport said: “People can decide not to cooperate. Nevertheless, we can’t be certain until the actual date arrives. They change things all the time. What is allowed now may not be allowed later. It can also become mandatory only when the day arrives. What can we do?”
This is being done to verify the information after errors were made in March in some wards of Tachileik when issuing smart cards to national registration card holders, according to airport staff.
Tachileik residents, however, believe this is to collect information needed for military conscription and urge young travelers not to comply.
An air ticket agent from Tachileik said: “There are no direct flights between Yangon and Bangkok or Chiang Mai. That’s why young people are traveling to Thailand via the Tachileik Bridge. The claim that tickets are sold out because of Songkran (Thingyan) is just an excuse. In these times of turmoil in the country, not many people travel. Most are leaving the country to avoid recruitment by the military council. The military council is aware of this and is trying to collect data at the airport. At least they can extort money from the families, even if they cannot arrest those leaving the country.”
From the last week of April, smart cards will be required at all passport offices in Shan State in order to obtain a passport, according to an announcement.
However, those close to the immigration offices say the percentage of young people who have received the smart cards is very low.
Starting from the last week of March, flights will only operate three days a week—Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—due to upgrades at Tachileik Airport, according to airport staff.
Sent by NMG.