Does the departure date need to be exact when applying for a re-entry permit in Thailand?

@Steve ******

, it depends on your visa. For some visa types, yes, like visa extensions. For others, the admitted-to-stay date will be updated. This counts for Elite Visa and others. For visa extensions, your next-notification-of-address date will be updated.

Correction: 1200baht

@Brian ******

1,200 THB AT Bangkok International Airport IF you don't have pictures with you.

@Benjamin *****

This counter is to the left of the normal line of immigration counters, in that area NO Photos. However it's well sign posted. I just asked an immi officer and he pointed me in the right direction. The whole airport is pretty much deserted, including immigration, so when I went into that area I was one of only a handful of people. Immigration staff outnumbered customers, so they tend to be much more human than normal, even helpful, so you'll have no problem if you just tell them you want a re-entry permit before going thru the gate.