Thailand could issue all foreign tourists with location-tracking SIM cards under plans announced on Tuesday by the telecoms regulator, which has denied the project is an invasion of privacy.

Famed for its temples and tropical beaches the kingdom is a major global tourist hub, with about 32 million visitors expected in 2016 and the industry accounting for around a tenth of the economy.

But a small number of foreigners fall foul of the law and the country's military rulers, who seized power two years ago, have vowed to crack down on those overstaying on their visas or committing crimes.