It confused me also, and in stark contrast to my own experiences.
I can only assume Hellfire was at the wrong border point at the wrong time.
Over the Years, I have transferred stamps here 3 times over 4 passports - twice at Laotian border points - once at my local office. The only sticking point I have ever encountered was the last time - it was a weekend - the senior i/o was playing football, so I had to wait for him to be contacted, to make a phonecall to a subordinate, to sort it out.
I must point out, I can't recall ever being charged for the service.
I'm sure once Hellfire jumps through the appropriate hoops, he'll get sorted - I would perhaps avoid such a checkpoint in the future.