Thailand’s Tourist Police have gone high-tech—and high impact—by deploying artificial intelligence to catch criminals and boost safety across the country’s top travel destinations.
As of mid-May, more than 170 wanted individuals have been caught, thanks to AI-powered CCTV cameras and facial recognition technology that match faces against a central criminal database. It’s all part of a major move to make Thailand safer and more tourist-friendly under the government’s campaign to give visitors peace of mind while exploring the Land of Smiles.
Lieutenant General Saksira Phuakarm, Commander of the Tourist Police, announced the operation as part of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s pro-tourism agenda and Minister of Tourism and Sports Sarawong Thienthong’s crackdown on shady dealings in the sector.
The newly launched Tourist Safety Operation Center (TSOC) is the nerve center of this initiative. With national police leadership fully on board, the push has already delivered results: a 12.58% drop in tourist-related crimes from January to April 2024 compared to the same period last year.
The Tourist Police aren’t just using AI—they’re listening to. Through Social Listening tech, authorities can monitor social media for real-time alerts and respond faster to problems while quashing rumours and fake news that might hurt the country’s image.
And there’s more to come. Soon, 10 smart patrol vehicles will hit the roads at major tourist hubs. These futuristic rides come fully loaded with AI cameras, SOS apps, and even tourist information kiosks. Think of them as mobile safety stations—or your “first friend” on the go.
From May 15–22, authorities are also rolling out intensified crackdowns on unlicensed guides, scammy tours, and cross-border crimes—making sure that everyone from first-time backpackers to seasoned globetrotters can explore Thailand with confidence.
In short: Thailand’s Tourist Police are showing the world that safety and technology make a pretty good travel duo.
