Thailand Customs Department to Implement Blockchain Tracking Technology

Thailand's customs department plans to utilize IBM's TradeLens blockchain solution to track the transportation status at its domestic ports.

According to an announcement on the official website of the Thai Customs Department, the country plans to use the blockchain logistics system Tradelens. This system is expected to simplify operations by managing cargo tracking and information sharing, decentralizing data storage for previously complex and hard-to-record items.

The Tradelens platform is a joint project by the transportation giant AP Moller-Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, and tech giant IBM. Nearly 90% of global trade is transported by shipping, highlighting the potential impact of this project.

Traditional shipping supply chains use the EDI system, requiring companies to confirm through fax and messages, which hinders real-time data sharing. Tradelens enables real-time tracking of crucial transportation data, reducing operational issues and eliminating unnecessary procedures. For instance, instead of manually confirming each item in a large shipment, now it is only necessary to verify the accuracy of the data on the chain.

Reportedly, the adoption of this decision in the country is part of Thailand 4.0 modernization initiative. Patama Chantaruck, Managing Director of IBM Thailand, expressed hopes for the system to benefit stakeholders in the global logistics ecosystem. He commented on this development:

TradeLens will provide the Thai Customs Department with automated and immutable tracking tools, bringing about more secure, transparent, efficient, and simplified workflows, achieving near-real-time information sharing among diverse shipping ecosystem members.

He further mentioned the benefits of this system:

As soon as the collectively packed goods leave the origin port, Tradelens sends transportation data to customs authorities, allowing more time to prepare for receiving goods and conduct fraud and counterfeit checks, thereby improving past smuggling and drug trafficking issues.

Ocean Network Express and Hapag-Lloyd, maritime carrier companies, also announced their participation in TradeLens recently.

When these two companies joined, Martin Gnass, IT Manager of TradeLens, stated:

Now, five out of the six largest ocean carriers globally have partnered with us. We can accelerate this transformation to provide more trust, transparency, and supply chain collaboration. I believe this will greatly facilitate global trade.

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