The Importance of Forensic Anthropological Photography: From Unidentified Bodies to Skeletal Reconstruction

Abstract

            Forensic anthropological imaging is a fundamental component in personalidentification, skeletal analysis, and the use of forensic evidence in the justice system. Despite the existence of internationalguidelines, there remains a lack of a systematic standard framework that can comprehensively link image accuracy,digital data integrity, traceability, and acceptance in court. This study aims to review the role of forensic anthropological imaging, analyze specialized standardsapplied internationally, and compare them with the context of Thailand. An integrative literature review was conducted based on relevant international standards, including ISO 21043, SWGIT, FOROST, FIRS, and ANZPAA. The findings indicate that Thailandstill lacks a national specialized standard for forensic anthropological imaging. This gap results in variability in image quality,digital evidence integrity, and traceability, which may affect the reliability of forensic evidence in judicial proceedings. This article proposes the Thai Forensic Anthropological Imaging Standard (TFAIS) as a nationalframework to systematically enhanceimaging practices, digital data management,and the maintenance of chain-of-custody. In conclusion, TFAIS has the potential to reduce data variability, improve the accuracyand verifiability of forensic imaging evidence,and bridge scientific practice with courtroomacceptance, thereby strengtheningevidence-based justice.