The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) says its mobile ID project will help facilitate nano-finance operations and address the loan shark problem.
The system is still being developed, but a trial service was initiated by Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), a subsidiary of leading mobile operator Advanced Info Service (AIS), and Bangkok Bank last year.
The system allows AIS customers to use a QR code provided by AWN to open a new savings account with Bangkok Bank without having to present their ID cards.
The QR code contains personal data, including names, surnames, ID numbers, mobile phone numbers and users' photos.
Some 400 users have tried the service since last year and the number is expected to rise to 1,000 by the middle of this year, NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said.
He said the NBTC and the Bank of Thailand have a common goal of driving down loan sharks, which have put low-income people in jeopardy.
"With the centralised mobile ID system, it should make nano-finance activities more effective, helping consumers," said Mr Takorn.
He said the NBTC and central bank signed a memorandum of understanding three years ago for collaboration in innovation development covering financial services and the telecom sector.
The NBTC plans to expand the use of mobile IDs to state agencies and other mobile operators to capitalise on digital innovation while ensuring personal data protection.
On Monday, the NBTC inked a deal with three state agencies for cooperation on the mobile ID system: the Department of Land Transport (DLT), Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) and Social Security Office (SSO).
The three agencies, said Mr Takorn, need to update their data and provide electronic services for the public.
The DLT could use the system to issue driving licences and for auto registration. Mobile IDs can also be used to verify identities by citizens who contact DOPA.
The system also enables easier access to the SSO's benefits, he said.
Mr Takorn said other mobile operators and commercial banks will be sought to take part in the system, eventually leading to a national digital ID system.
"There are around 120 million mobile service subscriptions and cooperation from the mobile sector could lead to many digital services, including financial services for unbanked people," he said.