Originally Posted by
JohnnyRockets
That is why I'm asking, how could they know and how would you know the 700 went into the proper pockets not the group with same agendas with guys telling you Grand Palace is closed.
At least 700 is a nice round number so you don't have leftover small denominations.
It is pretty easy to 'know'.
1. If you already have you BP from another port or from the transit desk so no check in required.
The immigration staff are easily able to tell that you should have been in transit and are within their rights to check your ticket and if you haven't paid the 700 Baht departure tax (it is a clear item in the breakdown).
2. If you don't have a boarding pass so need to check in.
Similar to the above but it is the check in agents who do the review and can request you to go pay the 700 Baht.
It appears you may be commenting on something you are unaware of or haven't experienced first hand.
You are right it is often not charged, but as a traveller you can't be surprised if you are asked to pay, because once you leave the transit area you are obligated to pay it if it hasn't been included in your ticket (which it usually isn't on transit itineraries).