@Michael *******
some airlines ask for this. Emirates I have noticed asked me many occasions over the years. It’s due to the fact that if you are refused entry the airline take no responsibility, as I didn’t have a visa at the time they made me sign a waiver to say that they are not responsible and you will pay additional costs yourself to leave Thailand if refused. As I was an offshore worker I didn’t need a visa to live in Thailand on my time off.