Surveillance cameras powered by AI technology pull in culprits in popular tourist attractions, leveraging criminal databases for identification.
Tourism Police in Thailand have been using AI-powered surveillance cameras in popular destinations since July 2024, leading to almost 200 arrests for various offenses.
According to Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueakum, commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, the deployment of these advanced systems is in line with the National Police Chief's directive to modernize crime prevention. By leveraging real-time identification and facial recognition technology, the cameras are connected to central databases containing criminal records.
Since its implementation, the system has contributed to the apprehension of 180 suspects in locations such as Pattaya (102), Chiang Mai (54), Nakhon Ratchasima (21), and Suvarnabhumi Airport (3). Involved offenses include theft, assault, and serious crimes like attempted murder.
The technology also monitors around 600 individuals flagged for suspicious activities, such as local and foreign pickpocket gangs and illegal currency exchange groups. Police receive instant alerts when these persons enter monitored tourist zones, enabling a rapid response to prevent crimes against tourists and residents.
Officials plan to expand the AI camera network to cover all major tourist areas nationwide, aiming to deter criminal activity and strengthen confidence in Thailand as a safe destination for travelers. The initiative not only enhances the safety of tourists but also improves the overall security atmosphere in local communities that rely on tourism.
Though not specified in the original text, sources suggest that the AI surveillance network collaborates with existing cameras and drones to provide near-complete coverage in tourist zones[1]. This comprehensive monitoring system has been attributed to significantly strengthening crime prevention efforts[4].
In summary, the use of AI-powered surveillance cameras by Thailand's Tourism Police has significantly reduced crime rates in tourist areas by enabling faster detection and apprehension of suspects[2][4][5]. The success of this program has prompted plans for its expansion to cover more tourist locations throughout Thailand[1].
The National Police Chief's directive to modernize crime prevention has seen the Tourist Police Bureau invest in AI-powered surveillance cameras in 'general-news', with these advanced systems leveraging real-time identification and facial recognition technology from 'technology'. These cameras, already active in popular destinations like Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Suvarnabhumi Airport, have been instrumental in the apprehension of 180 suspects involved in offenses such as theft, assault, and serious crimes like attempted murder, underscoring their efficiency in the 'crime-and-justice' sphere.
