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.

[msbkk]

3 hours ago, rimmae2 said:

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.

OK, permanent residence might be in another category. The issue for us here is with a missing entry stamp it will be complicated

to fill in that date in the 90 days report and visa extensions. For visa extension we also have to copy the most recent entry stamp. Not sure about the immigration when entering the country.

Edited 20 hours ago by msbkk

[Scouse123]

21 hours 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. 

 

 

It seems weird if you can't use it, yet a person who has an annual work permit and visa can?

 

I would have thought the circumstances were similar.

 

Do work permit holders use re-entry permits?

[Scouse123]

17 hours ago, msbkk said:

OK, permanent residence might be in another category. The issue for us here is with a missing entry stamp it will be complicated

to fill in that date in the 90 days report and visa extensions. For visa extension we also have to copy the most recent entry stamp. Not sure about the immigration when entering the country.

 

Don't you mean missing an exit stamp?

 

The OP and other people using the gates were exiting the country, I believe.

[Upnotover]

1 hour ago, Scouse123 said:

 

 

It seems weird if you can't use it, yet a person who has an annual work permit and visa can?

 

I would have thought the circumstances were similar.

 

Do work permit holders use re-entry permits?

I'm guessing the OP didn't point out what he had, whereas the other poster did.  Perhaps the issues will come on the OP's return, hopefully we'll get an update.