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pythaiidcard

Python library for reading Thai national ID cards using smartcard readers

License Python

pythaiidcard Cover

Thai ID Card Reader Demo

Features

  • ✅ Full Card Data Extraction: Read all information from Thai ID cards
  • 📸 Photo Support: Extract and save card photos (JPEG format)
  • 🔒 Data Validation: Automatic CID checksum validation and date parsing
  • 📅 Date Conversion: Buddhist Era to Gregorian calendar conversion
  • 🎨 Modern Web UI: Streamlit-based debug interfaces
  • 🐍 Type-Safe: Full type hints and Pydantic models
  • 🔍 Error Handling: Comprehensive exception handling and system checks
  • 📦 Zero Config: Auto-detects readers and connects to cards
  • 🚀 Fast: Efficient APDU command implementation

Quick Start

# 1. Install system dependencies (Linux only)
sudo apt-get install -y pcscd libpcsclite-dev python3-dev swig

# 2. Install pythaiidcard
pip install pythaiidcard

# 3. Use in your Python code
python
>>> from pythaiidcard import ThaiIDCardReader
>>> reader = ThaiIDCardReader()
>>> with reader.card_session():
...     card = reader.read_card()
...     print(f"Name: {card.english_fullname}")
...     print(f"CID: {card.cid}")

What Can You Read?

The library extracts the following information from Thai National ID cards:

Field Description
CID 13-digit citizen identification number
Thai Name Full name in Thai script
English Name Full name in English
Date of Birth Birth date with age calculation
Gender Gender (Male/Female)
Address Registered address
Card Issuer Issuing organization
Issue Date Card issue date
Expire Date Card expiration date
Photo JPEG photo (saved to file)

System Requirements

Hardware

  • Smartcard Reader: PC/SC compatible smartcard reader
  • Recommended: USB-C Smart Card Reader* (tested by author)
  • Or any other PC/SC compatible reader
  • See Hardware Compatibility for tested readers
  • Thai National ID card: Modern card with chip (issued 2010+)

* Affiliate link

Software

  • Python 3.13 or higher
  • Linux (tested on Ubuntu/Debian)
  • Required system packages (see Installation)

Use Cases

  • Identity Verification: Build KYC (Know Your Customer) systems
  • Government Services: Integrate with e-government applications
  • Access Control: Create ID-based access control systems
  • Data Entry: Automate data entry from ID cards
  • Age Verification: Verify age for age-restricted services

Credits

This project is inspired by and based on:

License

This project is licensed under the ISC License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Next Steps