Yet another example of the Thai Bureaucratic State trying to prove their worth or value added to their government heads. Other examples: TM30, 90 day reports,fees already built into airfare departure tax, arrival tax (to come within the year). ETA system (to come within the year), proposed revised/reinterpreted income tax rules., foreigner pricing in national parks, dual pricing in hospitals.
These pathetic Thai bureaucrats just can't help themselves. Their actions will continue to drive people away in drips and drabs over time.