Thailand has developed a strong and robust security market, which is increasingly moving towards advanced technologies such as AI and cloud. Meanwhile, despite the market’s overall rosy outlook, several challenges remain to be resolved. This article looks at security technologies gaining traction in Thailand and challenges facing security players.
Key techs
Technology-wise, Thailand has caught up with some of the latest tech trends in security. These are summarized as follows.
AI/video analytics: Increased adoption of AI-based analytics, for example facial recognition, people counting, crowd control and anomaly detection, is seen. The use of ALPR is also widely used in Thai buildings and shopping malls to boost management efficiency and user experience.
Cloud: Cloud is gaining traction in the Thai security market. This is confirmed by a recent
report showing VSaaS is becoming more popular in Thailand for surveillance and security applications. Indeed, cloud appeals to users with its various advantages, including scalability, cost-effectiveness, and flexible deployment.
Platform-based unified systems: Integrating different security systems on one platform instead of having them work in silos offers various benefits, the biggest of which is allowing end users to monitor and control everything on one dashboard. This is a major trend in security, and Thailand has caught up with this trend as well.
"In Thailand, security is beginning to adopt more advanced technology, with the trend moving toward smarter systems, AI-enabled cameras, smart video management, cloud solutions and integration with mobile access, transforming traditional surveillance into more intelligent and connected solutions,” said Ekarin Watcharayingyong, MD of Keenfinity Thailand.
"Advanced technology is increasing used, for example PSIM platforms, face recognition, license plate recognition, smart traffic AI, car counting for law enforcement and smart AI security to prevent crimes and detect weapons, guns, fire and smoke,” said Sakchai Somsuk, CTO of T-Solutions.
Challenges
Indeed, the Thai security market has a bright outlook due to various positive factors. However, this s not to say the Thai security market is without challenges and difficulties. Below we look at some of the challenges facing Thai security players.
Price competition
A key challenge is price competition, where solutions providers slash prices to gain or retain customers, resulting in lower margins that do not bode too well for sustainable growth. Amid this dilemma, it’s incumbent upon solutions providers to provide customized, integrated solutions to deliver more value to customers.
“To gain a competitive edge, companies are focusing on delivering complete solutions rather than standalone products, integrating hardware, software, and managed services. They are also investing in open, multi-vendor platforms that provide customers with greater flexibility and effectively solve key pain points,” said Watcharayingyong.
Systems integrators can play a critical role in this regard. “Normal box moving security may no longer be beneficial; system integrators are the key players, integrating a lot of systems like CCTV, access control and sensors,” Somsuk said. “Requirements and customer needs extend beyond standard products. Customers need local suppliers to customize and localize to their needs, and systems integrators are the key.”
Lack of skilled professionals
The above point brings us to another challenge – a shortage of skilled professionals/integrators who can design, install and integrate across different brands/products, ensuring compatibility and cybersecurity of security systems. “There is a shortage of personnel capable of products and integration of physical security other than CCTV. High employee turnover in general prevents long-term knowledge and best practices from taking root in the whole security industry,” said Ken Arimura, MD of OPTEX Thailand.
It is therefore important for Thai security companies to engage in certain practices, such as offering competitive salaries and investing in continuous training/certification programs, to retain workers.
Cybersecurity of physical systems
Physical security devices are increasingly networked, introducing various risks; Thailand is no exception. That said, the Thai government has rolled out regulations to curb cyber-threats, among them the
dSure label, a dedicated certification scheme for IP cameras. The label ensures that cameras meet various safety, functionality and cybersecurity requirements, in the process protecting devices and users from cyberattacks.
Technical Infrastructure
Reliable power and network connectivity can be an issue, resulting in interruptions, lags or packet losses especially when high-definition video is transmitted. In this regard, Thailand is actively pushing infrastructure development, for example expanding high-speed connectivity and improving national power infrastructure, that can be beneficial for security.