As far as cell phone, it may be company issued. Possibly in a personal protection cover. I ran across phone use with air asia to hanoi. The airline is responsible for all diligent screening prior to allowing you on board. In my case, the just wanted to verify my visa to Vietnam. But the phone cameras are probably just used for both convenience and further limitation of liability.
ups will eventually settle with thai customs. They will send you a bill, that they not so politely tell you that you have 30 days to pay before they add 10% as late fee. Idk if that's Apr or flat cost. Make sure, that if you've already made any payments to/through ups thailand, that you have screenshot or other receipts.
As far as letting the package go, if you haven't provided any identification numbers, I can't see how they would track you. Save looking up the return address
Resolve it quick. Thai customs will also charge a storage fee, and they'll get to your package when they bloody well feel like it. It's only 3 dollars a day, but if they hold it for two months...
yes, I think you're right. I'm not looking for a pay out, and certainly never expected one. I'm not "outraged" as many here seem to think. I was just curious about the laws in Thailand. Whether visitors are treated differently.