Savarnabhumi airport departure through Electronic Passport Control.

[FRM-BKK]

This morning (Wednesday 20 November) after I checked in with my airline, went through security, all very fast and smooth.

 

The next step may have already been experienced by other members of this site, but was a first for me in my 18 years in Thailand.

 

At the bottom of the escalator entering the immigration 🛂 passport area, I was directed towards the new Electronic Passport Gates.

 

Since I possess an annually extendable work visa & work permit, I had my doubts as to whether I could use this service, as I thought that this was only for tourists on Visa exempt or Thai citizens.

However, I went into the Electronic Passport Gate, where I followed the steps as they came up on the screen, and I was allowed to proceed into the departure area. Took about 1 minute.
 

Obviously this method did not stamp my passport.

 

There were no queues and it all happened quickly and efficiently.

Big surprise  !!

 

I will report back on my return in the New Near, whether getting back into Thailand will be equally as easy !!

 

Well done Thai Immigration congratulations …. a painless experience !!

Edited November 20 by FRM-BKK

[treetops]

It's been like that for a while and was expanded with more gates recently.  A couple of posters have stated they returned without issues despite having no exit stamp.

[hotandsticky]

Arrived Swampy 19:30 hrs, self bag drop with Lufthansa , cleared security and Immigration (e-gates) by 19:53 hrs.

 

Nice little shuttle ride to the new building...now just 3 hours to wait until departure....

[Upnotover]

There were reports earlier that there were signs indicating that these channels should not be used if holding a re-entry permit.  Will be interesting to learn if that restriction has now gone.

[msbkk]

On 11/20/2024 at 11:51 AM, FRM-BKK said:

This morning (Wednesday 20 November) after I checked in with my airline, went through security, all very fast and smooth.

 

The next step may have already been experienced by other members of this site, but was a first for me in my 18 years in Thailand.

 

At the bottom of the escalator entering the immigration 🛂 passport area, I was directed towards the new Electronic Passport Gates.

 

Since I possess an annually extendable work visa & work permit, I had my doubts as to whether I could use this service, as I thought that this was only for tourists on Visa exempt or Thai citizens.

However, I went into the Electronic Passport Gate, where I followed the steps as they came up on the screen, and I was allowed to proceed into the departure area. Took about 1 minute.
 

Obviously this method did not stamp my passport.

 

There were no queues and it all happened quickly and efficiently.

Big surprise  !!

 

I will report back on my return in the New Near, whether getting back into Thailand will be equally as easy !!

 

Well done Thai Immigration congratulations …. a painless experience !!

I am in the same situation and was directed to the automatic gates. I pointed out to the staff that I do have a 1 year visa and re-entry. I was told that long visa holders cannot use the automatic gates and was then directed to the normal immigration counter to receive a stamp for departure. 

[rimmae2]

2 minutes ago, msbkk said:

I am in the same situation and was directed to the automatic gates. I pointed out to the staff that I do have a 1 year visa and re-entry. I was told that long visa holders cannot use the automatic gates and was then directed to the normal immigration counter to receive a stamp for departure. 

I have Permanent Residence and last month after using the normal immigration lanes at Thai Airways Business Class I went to the Immigration counter and asked if I could use the autogates and was informed yes. Will leave again tomorrow and ask but not take the risk of using autogates yet. Over the last 2 years I have asked Immigration many times and received differnt answers.

 

Pre-covid I register for the then autochannels and used them about 100 times on departures and arrival.