As I exited Thailand last month via BKK airport after some conference in Bangkok, I attempted to use the eGates at BKK instead of going through immigration officers. That didn't work and I was told to through an immigration officer, who told me that they must put an exit stamp on passengers' passports, unlike the eGates.
Why do immigration officers place an exit stamp on the passenger's passport while automated emigration gates don't at BKK airport? Assume that the passenger is in good standing, e.g. didn't overstay.
Note:
Thailand state that all passengers, including foreigners, can use the eGates on exit. So we're not in a situation of "They had to put a stamp so I had to see an officer because the eGate can't do it". We don't know the reason why it didn't work through the eGate, but assume that it is not because a stamp was required.
If I had successfully gone through the eGate (which I should be able to), I would not have received a stamp.
The question is not:
- "Why did I have to see an officer?"
- "Why can't eGates add a stamp?"
The question is: Why for a given passenger that should be able to either use the eGates or see an officer, if they use the eGates they don't get a stamp, and if they see an officer, they do get one?
