I recently noticed that the usual airline companies are all charging baggage and seat fees now. The RT flights from Bangkok to Phuket have doubled in price from before C-19 because of these fees. Thai Airways seems to be the only option I found that doesn't rob you of fees and gives 25kg limit on checked bags. 4100 THB for a RT flight at the least popular times of day. I recall maybe 2,100 THB 6 years ago for the same flight, and the times of the flights didn't affect prices like now.
Is there a trick to get good rates besides the usual websites? I'm wondering if locals pay over 4000 THB for these flights.