I know there was a lot of publicity about an "assistance fee" for Chinese tourists arriving in Phuket airport some time ago. There now seems to be a "departure tax", too. Only 20 Baht, but still. Have these "officials" no shame?

There seems to be ...

Lot of things seem to be, but quite often things are not what they seem to be.

use your camera and put on youtube..

No they have no shame and no morals - dont worry when the Chinese pull the plug on Phuket as a destination for there citizens the powers that be will finally sit up and take note - of course itll be too late by then.