Originally Posted by
SKT-DK
The UK example is easy to cite, but one has to keep in mind that the allowed countries (eg EU) all have the same length of stay requirements. What you are proposing do not.
Also, knowing Thailand, stamps and paperwork is never going away, so for instance, my passport has 30 day visa waiver but I also have an LTR visa - how would you make sure I get admitted on the latter rather than the former? - I perfectly know that tech wise it is easy to fix, but I would still be very hesitant to use anything but a manned desk to enter, to be honest.
Thailand would probably have to adjust its regulations to give nationals of affected countries the same length of stay. Again, the affected countries are all low-risk in terms of migration issues--it is unlikely travelers will attempt to claim asylum or work or overstay in Thailand, so the risks to the overall system are low.
As to your second point, with the UK situation, certain arriving passengers are directed to manned desks instead of the e-gates. There is signage indicating that ordinary short-stay travelers from participating countries can use the e-gates but anyone arriving on a visa for study, or work purposes should see an officer. The same could be done in Thailand for anyone on a longer-stay visa, or someone with a work permit, etc.