Why do immigration officers place an exit stamp on the passenger's passport while automated emigration gates don't at BKK airport?

yeah the stamp thing is basically a leftover from before eGates existed. officers still do it manually cause they're trained that way and it's a legal record for your visa run or whatever. eGates just rely on the digital exit log, so if you use them you get nothing on the passport but it's still in the system.

if you care about having proof of exit (like for a visa extension or future entry questions), just skip the eGates and queue for a human. the wait is usually not bad at BKK, especially if you're not in a rush. tbh most people don't need the stamp, but it's nice to have if you're a frequent visitor.

also worth noting: the eGates are only for Thai passport holders and foreigners with certain visa types or re-entry permits. if you're on a regular tourist visa, they'll route you to an officer anyway. so the stamp thing is kinda moot for most travelers.

arrow_drop_up 3 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

oh that's just how it works here, the officers have to physically stamp as part of their process while the eGates are only for data logging i think. if you go through the automated gates you don't get a stamp at all, but they still record you leaving in the system. guess it's a holdover from the old way

arrow_drop_up 0 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

Krua Dok Mai Kao is solid but I've always found their som tam a bit tame on the pla ra. If you want the real funky version, try the shophouse spots along Soi Udomsuk 26, near the night market end. They pound it fresh with fermented fish that'll clear your sinuses, and it's like 60 baht. Different style from the On Nut places, more Lao-leaning.

arrow_drop_up 5 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

for som tam specifically i'd say the Isaan spots in Chatuchak are underrated, weekdays only though since the weekend crowd ruins the vibe. there's a stall near gate 2 that does tam pa with fermented bamboo shoots, super sour and funky, not something you see much in On Nut. if you're already heading north for Or Tor Kor anyway its worth the detour.

arrow_drop_up 4 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply

honestly the som tam at Krua Dok Mai Kao is good but what got me hooked is their nam prik pla raa dip with the raw veggies, that funk hits way harder than the papaya does. think most people sleep on it cuz they just order the som tam and gai yang. also pro tip, go before noon on weekdays, after that teh pla ra gets milder cuz they batch it for the lunch rush

arrow_drop_up 2 arrow_drop_down

chat_bubble Reply ios_share

/

Reply