richard_smith237

And this is where you show a complete misunderstanding of the principles involved. A 'Tourist' from another country is not a resident - they are a tourist and will be subject to Two Tiered pricing whichever nation they are from and whichever nation they are visiting. Meanwhile, a Resident of any country or state, or municipality - will receive local rates where offered, regardless of their nationality - they are not exclued by their nationliity. Conversely, In Thailand, where national parks and hosptials (some) are concerned, local Residents ARE excluded from receiving local rates because of their nationality. The difference is not subtle....

You're trying might hard to misunderstand a simple issue... Two Tiered pricing in all Western Nations is based on Residency. Dual Pricing in Thailand is based on Nationalilty. One is somewhat xenophobic - the other isn't. Wrong - thats exactly what its about... Wrong. Equal treatment of both... And a Thai who lives in Paris will get the EU Rate - no discrimination based on nationality - there is simply a local residents promotion... ... Its not even nuanced - yet you struggle with the simplicity of this. WRONG... they wont get the EU Price, becasue they are not EU Residents - IF both live in the EU, then both will get the EU Residents prices - There is no exclusion based on Nationality alone.... and thats the point. You still miss the point... Dual Pricing in Thailand IS based on Nationality. Dual Pricing in these Western Nations (and every example you have provided) is NOT based on Nationality.... its residency based. You still don't understand the difference between the manner in which Thailand uses dual pricing for its National Parks and Hospitals, and the manner in which the Western World uses Two Tiered Pricing. Safari World, Sea Life in Bangkok Get it right - they have two tier pricing - a Price for Non-Residents, and a price for Thailand Residents - Show a Driving license and get the Local Price - quite simple. Thats also wrong: The cost College Tuition in the US is based on residency not Nationality / Citizenship. There is also a difference between 'in-state' and 'out-of-state' residency rates - again, not based on Nationality / Citizenship. And also wrong - give one one example of any University in the USA where a USA Citizen gets a cheaper rate than ANY foreigner whose family is also a resident of that state. Give me one example of USA Dual Pricing based on Nationality ALONE... Where a local resident of any Nationality other than USA will not get the same rate ??? The ONLY examples you may come up with, particularly with education are where a moratorium exists. For example: My Thai Friends live in the UK - they are resident and have been for a while - there daughter will pay UK resident fees because they have been there longer than 5 years. IF move to the UK this year - My Son (a UK Citizen) will have to pay International students fees because he does not meet the moratorium requirements of being a resident for at least 3 years.

Wrong: In all of the examples provided - residency can be proven by having a local bill, a local driving license, local ID cards... And thats the same for Thailand, we can prove 'residency' - that we live here, through bills, ID cards, Driving licenses - but its not accepted. Also... in Thailand, even those with Permanent Residence in Thailand are discriminated against by Dual Pricing at national parks and hospitals. Thats the point - Thailands dual pricing is based ONLY on nationality and that can be seen as nationalistic and xenophobic... where as the two tiered pricing employed by other western nations is based on factors not impacted by nationality alone. Your comment needs critical thought.

This is why you are wrong: Its not based on Nationality its based on Where you live - Your residency. Examples: 1. Big White (BC) Offers resident discounts for British Columbia residents. Any nationality qualifies as long as the person resides in BC and shows valid BC ID. 2. Lake Louise (Alberta) Offers discounted pricing for Alberta residents during special promotions. Residency proof (e.g. AB driver's licence) is all that's needed. 3. Mont Tremblant (Quebec) Has local resident rates for those in nearby postal codes. No distinction based on citizenship – it's about where you live. 4. Mount Norquay (Banff, AB) Offers locals' days and resident pricing. ID with a local address is sufficient, regardless of nationality. None of the above discounts have anything to do with nationality and everything to do with your 'address' i.e. where you are Resident !!!!

Its not a deflection at all... You are showing you do not understand the points discussed. Dual pricing as it exists in Thailand, is based on Nationality ONLY... You and I cannot get local prices. Meanwhile the 'two tier' pricing as it exists in other Western Nations (and all the examples as you provided) can also apply to ANY of your Thai friends, if they are residents of those area. So you are receiving no difference in treatment to your Thai Wife, or Thai friend. Meanwhile, I know Thai's who live and work in Paris - they will get the EU Residents discount. You, as an American, will not. Its not based on Nationality - which would be xeonophobic. No - its not based on Nationality at all - Its based on Residency. ANY citizen of any nation in the world, IF they are living in France, or Germany or Spain etc and can show they are a resident of an EU Country, they will get the price for EU Citizens. Again - its not about nationality - its about residency. No, its not based on Nationality - because a national of ANY country, could be living in Canada can prove that they a resident of Canada (i.e. with residency card or Canadian driving license) and secure the Canadian residents prices for the Ski resport. Nope... You just don't understand the difference between Resident and National in this context because you don't want to or are unable to. No example you have provided charges based on Nationality alone, its open to residency. WRONG - you can't ignore residency, when residency is THE qualifying factor. When someone of ANY nationality is a local resident, they receive the rates for local residency. Sometimes there is a moratorium (a time frame for which they have to have been a resident) before they can secure local rates - but again, that is not a nationality thing and out of state people will have the same moratorium applied. You can't leave aside the 'local residency' aspect of this discussion, because its not a 'deflection' at its the very fundamental point at very heart of this discussion. Two Tiered pricing as we witness it in the West is never based sole on nationality alone - I know of not one example where it is.... There is no pricing in the US (that I have seen) where by local residents of any nationality cannot get the same price... This is 'THE' argument against dual pricing in Thailand, it's ONLY about nationality, not residency - hence its a rather nationalistic and xenophobic policy.

Why is anywhere designated a national park ?? Forest land, sea life, area of beauty that needs protection. Why is a rip off any more than Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Khoa Yai ????

OK, so what ??... I'm sure they'd also be happier winning a lottery... what's your point ? They're not rejecting those who meet the requirements with a standard renewal at 1900 baht - which is what you 'seemed' to imply.

No - they just use the agent - which IOs clearly prefer. Every crackdown and rule-change has increased their agent-revenue stream. They demonstrate with their actions that they don't really care if "requirements" are met or not. Their "agents" can even publicly advertise what they do. Therefore, there is no reason to believe these "rules" exist for any other reason, than to line their pockets. Lucky you. I am far from the only one to have had this experience. Two separate offices were abusive. A proper response in defense of one's wife is well-deserved, but you are outnumbered by criminal scum, masquerading as govt-agency personnel, with the force of the state at their disposal. So... What you are implying is that 'everyone' who meets the requirements, has all of their paperwork in order, for either a Non-Imm O extension (based on Marraige or Retirement) will be rejected because they have not used an agent - to which I state - thats utter rubbish. And... how exactly were two separate officers 'abusive' ??? Did they tell the Wife to 'Eff off' ?? or were they indifferent and somewhat dismissive ? I'm not defending immigration officers here - but I see that many people, often expect gushingly polite behavior and see indifference as insult. Doing their job - Same here, they went through paper work in detail. I had to 'nip off' and get my Bank Book updated for that day - no complaint from me, it took an extra few mins. On the contrary - what I have said is based on the historical record of changes to "the rules" for various types of visas / permitted-stays, and reading thousands of posts, here and elsewhere, regarding experiences with Thai Immigration. I'll agree there has been a lot of 'movement for the fringe tolerances' - but that movement has been available online. If I was going for a renewal tomorrow - It would take a while to get the paperwork, ensure there has been no change in how they want photos (i.e. on one page, in colour, no back to back photos etc - whether the map must be hand drawn or is a google maps print acceptable yet etc), money in the back for over 2 months, never dropping below etc... BUT - where have any of these rules actually changed ??? Where have the rules changed ??? I'd argue most of the people who have encountered issue is because they are not meeting one of the requirements... made the assumption that someone was exactly the same as last year etc. I recall with my renewal... I printed the photo's 2 per side, and then again on the back... (i.e. 4 photos per page), then I thought (based on reading this forum) that I should have one photo per page and take that with me just in case.... There as no room for any other flexibility - everything else was extremely clear. I nearly didn't turn up with my Wife because that wasn't so clear - it was just by coincidence that she came with me. I think a lot of the complaints about immigration are simply because - people don't like 'having to prove themselves' on such a regular frequency - that breeds a degree of contempt that contradicts their entitlement to remain here... from some part an anti-authoritarian stance... and for others, they fall foul of missing the specific requirements.... All of that said: I dont see why the renewals need to be so frequent - they could have the immigration demand over night, having extensions on a 5 year basis.... etc

I think that is an extremely valid point... and yes, I overlooked that aspect. That said: My last renewal took 30mins max (at Chaeng Wattana) at the Immigration office, but still involved travelling to and from etc... but for many travelling there and from is also an annoyance... I do believe that if someone is Married, on Retirement etc... then a 1 year visa is just silly, why not offer a 10 year visa for retirees ?? - I don't see any real reason not to. Also, allow for a Doctors / Hosptial letter so that someone can go in their place and obtain an renewal. I think hospitals actually offer this in serious cases, but its usually for a medical extension, rather than a full / renewal of an extension.

What you've written is total rubbish - you seem to imply that an Immigration officer will reject someone who meets all the requirements (with documentation) in favour of someone presenting a 20,000 baht 'bribe' via an agent... which of course is total rubbish... ... If someone meets the requirements - their extension is not rejected.... It seems we have complaints from people who haven't seasoned money for the full term, maybe have dropped below, switched accounts etc... cannot meet the 'income requirements'... don't have the correct paperwork etc.. The 'ONLY' variables I have ever read of: 1) Officer wants photos presented a different way (i.e. on per page, not two per page, not back to back etc) 2) Officer wants Bank Book updated on the day, not the day before. I've done the Non-Imm O (based on Marraige) and found it an incredibly simple process.... The only annoying part was the under-consideration process, which was a time wasting when having to go back a month later.

Then they don't want Non-Imm O based on Retirement - thats the requirement, if they don't want to meet that requirement, then they simply do not meet it. They 'need it' 800k baht in a bank account is a legal requirement the Non-Imm O (based on retirement) - its needed.... If someone doesn't think they need it, then they don't want to meet the requirements - thats quite simple. Fine... then there is no reason to complain about the cost of using an agent, or complaining that there are no options for you... There are options for all the scenarios you mention... its just that people are making a conscious choice not to meet those requirements and then complaining about it.

Protect your wife from Immigration abuse ?? you're laying it on thick... I've done the Non-Imm-O (based on Marriage) Immigration are perfectly well mannered.... abuse ? no... Also Rob, your arguments all seem to originated from 'something' you think Immigration might do, could do, or a rule the might or could change.... ... Its a lot of whatifery... No solid argument at all.

Then they don't meet the requirement - Entry to Thailand is not a multiple choice preference test... Either meet the requirements or don't... its really that simple.

No... It does not happen in the same context... You are referring to resident discounts... ... i.e... Disney World where 'residents of Orlando' will get a discount - and that is for local residents no matter their nationtality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove local residency) ... UK Student Fees - UK rate is for any UK resident for at least 3 years, of for someone any nationality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove UK residency for 3 years). ... Golf Course - local resident discounts - for any local resident, regardless of nationality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove local residency). ... and on and on... ALL over the world as you put it - 'two tiered pricing' which offers discounted rates, does so for groups of local residents, certain age groups, students etc... and none of that is based on nationality at all... In ALL examples of such 'discount' anyone of any nationality who meets the 'resident, age, student etc' requirements can get the discount - the sole qualifying factor is never nationality alone.

I take it you were never young with the urge to see the world.If it wasn't for backpackers (hippies) in the sixties a lot of the places we visit now wouldn't be on the tourist map.I know,i was one of them. I honestly don't think he's bright enough to give such issue any depth of thought... any thought at all actually.

So 4 million Thais will pat 30 Baht and the other 70 million will have to pay 150 Baht. Agreed... the Thai income tax rate starts at 150,000 baht per year... Thus: Comments such as JustinTyme's come wholly miss informed... As clumsy as his point is - there is a thin veneer of 'getting it nearly right'... When they could base dual pricing on residency... ..... Thus anyone who can prove residency gets one price, anyone else another price. The reason for this: Residents (those who live here, can prove Permanent Residence, Work Permit, Pink ID, Thai Driving Licence etc) - already contribute year round to the local economy with Taxes (income and VAT etc)... Thus: IF there must be dual charing, and I don't think there should, its inexcusable to have it based on Nationality, based on Residency 'alone' makes it slightly somewhat less nationalistic / xenophobic and less of a poorly thought out clumsy policty.

Yes... why not argue it straight faced - its easy to argue clear information straight faced: There are several factors contribute to the rise in heart attacks among younger adults: Lifestyle Factors: Increased sedentary behavior, poor dietary habits, and reduced physical activity have been linked to higher cardiovascular risk in younger populations. Substance Use: Higher rates of substance abuse, including marijuana and cocaine, have been observed in younger heart attack patients compared to older cohorts. COVID-19 Impact: During the first two years of the pandemic, heart attacks in the 25-to-44 age group increased by 30% compared to expected numbers, even among those without traditional risk factors. This suggests that the body's inflammatory response to the virus plays a role. Anti-vaxxers also argue that the Covid-19 vaccinations are at play, but they ignore other obvious information such as: People who suffer from influenza are at significantly greater risk of having a heart attack, particularly in the week following infection. Influenza risk: A 2018 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the risk of a heart attack is six times higher during the first seven days after a confirmed influenza infection. Inflammation is the culprit: Flu triggers widespread inflammation in the body, which can destabilise atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. This increases the chance of a thrombotic even (i.e. a blood clot forming) and causing a heart attack. Dehydration: when unwell, results in thicker the blood, increasing the chance of clot formation and arterial blockage that can trigger a heart attack. Also, dehydration lowers blood volume and pressure, making the heart work harder and reducing oxygen delivery to cardiac tissue. The symptoms of both Influenza and Covid-19 are quite similar and both contribute to increase risk of a heart attack...

Rubbish... there is no way a boat can transport a passenger 'door to door' from Kata to the Airport. 1) Get from Kata Accommodation to Ferry (with luggage) 2) Ferry Kata to Karon (pickup more passengers - including luggage) 3) Ferry from Karon to Patong (pickup more passengers - including luggage) 4) Ferry from Patong to Kamala (pickup more passengers - including luggage) 5) Ferry from Kamala Airport 6) Get from Airport Pier to Airport - bus ?? (dragging luggage) Thats impossible in 1 hour.... Or... even 1) Get from Kata Accommodation to Ferry (with luggage) 2) Ferry from Kata to Airport 3) Get from Airport Pier to Airport Is impossible within an hour Or... Taxi 1) Picked up by taxi at accommodation (with luggage) 2) Arrive directly at Airport From Kamala: 50 mins From Patong: 1 hr 15 mins From Karon: 1 hr 30mins From Kata: 1 hr 20mins From Rawai: 1 hrs 20mins

Costal boat taxi services have been dabbled with for decades - its never taken off... Who's going to use a boat from the Airport - only to be met at a pier by an 'uncontrollable' rabble of TukTuk drivers queuing to rip off arriving tourists and fighting with 'grab / bolt' drivers who are standing by for their fare ??

This was nothing to do with either - it was just a couple of idiots lying naked on the beach. Stupid and ignorant... yes... Dangerous and criminal - nope... Just something stupid. One guy recently reported at 6000 baht fine for Drink Driving... If drink Driving get a 6000 Baht fine - and this gets a 5000 Baht fine, the legal priorities are completely distorted.

IF he's spitting on someone - thats Assault and victims can file assault charges... I don't see how the police can ignore that. They (teh BiB) are clearly lazy in not pushing this further, shirtless is one thing and perhaps only warranting of a warning, but as soon as the idiot started spitting (throwing up phlegm) onto people below, that line as crossed into assault - there is not way anything other than an arrest and charges should following. This headline is somewhat understated... Its not "Shirtless Tourist Sparks Outrage at Thai Restaurant"... the spitting aspect is the most disgusting and extreme... ... "In Yuan Face: Tourist Tosses Money, Spits, and Strips upsetting restaurant goers"

That seems a little unfair! Indeed... the disparity of penalty between the male and the female seems strange - They both committed the same offence. Why is the male considered (potential) mentally unstable and the female not ? Would a Thai receive a 5000 baht fine ?? Did any of the following receive a fine or sent for psychiatric assessment ?? - it would be interesting to see the comparison... https://aseannow.com/topic/1358017-naked-man-stirs-phuket-market-raises-mental-health-concerns/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1331152-naked-man-creates-chaos-in-pattaya-disrupting-tourists/ https://aseannow.com/topic/1358242-naked-man-caught-masturbating-in-public-–-arrested-at-home-by-police/

But its also a flawed comparison - The increased admission fees for non-EU visitors to the Louvre in 2026 will not be determined by nationality, but by residency. In practice, this means that a Thai, Singaporean, or indeed any non-EU national residing within the EU can simply present proof of residency - such as a residency card, driving licence, or utility bill - and will be eligible for the same rate as EU citizens. Therefore, every example cited by newnative is fundamentally misguided. None of them illustrate a dual pricing system based on nationality - which is precisely how Thailand's system operates. In Thailand, the dual pricing excludes non-Thai residents, including those with work permits, permanent residency, or long-term visas. If you don't hold a Thai passport, you're charged the higher rate - plain and simple. This is what makes Thailand’s policy xenophobic in nature.

They are not based on Nationality - they are based on Residency - IF you can prove you live locally and show residency documentation (driving license, resident ID card etc) - a visitor will receive the local price. That again, is not based on Nationality, but on Residency - A national of any country who can prove they are living in the EU will get the 'local price' - they just need to show their residence permit, rental contract, utility bill. driving license... showing their address in an EU country (i.e. the discount is also extended to non-EU citizens who are legal EU residents).... ... So no, its not based on Nationality. No... You are misunderstanding 'nationality based'... Anyone from the USA who is also a resident of Canada, or anyone from any other country who can show they are a resident of Canada will receive the price for locals (Canadians). Meanwhile, I am sure you do not understand the difference between 'based on Nationality' and 'based on Residency'... Agreed, it also happens in other countries, but its very rare in the West, and nearly ALL the examples people have provided from the West can be picked apart and highlight the posters misunderstanding of 'Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone' just as you have. Whereby, any local resident of any Nationally, will also get the local price... (though using the Venezia Unica City Pass or the The Toilet Pass VERITAS, available through the Venezia Unica platform) - So not based on Nationality, but local residency. As with so many of these arguments - People are putting forward examples of dual pricing and not understanding the differentiation between local resident discounts which can apply to any local resident of any nationality and Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone as its employed in Thailand.

Which begs the question: Why are people who think they may be here 'longer term' i.e. 5 months etc.. or even 9 months etc... come here on Visa Exempt (60 days + extension) and then attempt to border bounce ? Is it simply a matter of them being lazy and not researching visa options before coming here ? OR.. is the DTV requirement (or METV) too difficult to obtain: For Workcation Applicants (Digital Nomads, Remote Workers, Freelancers) Passport: Valid for at least 6 months. Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months. Proof of Current Location: Such as a UK driving license or utility bill. Financial Evidence: Bank statements showing a balance of no less than £11,000 (approximately 500,000 THB) over the last 3 months. Employment Documentation: Employment contract or certificate from a non-Thai company, or a professional portfolio demonstrating your status as a digital nomad or freelancer. Is the £11,000 in a bank to much for some ? Is the Employment documentation too difficult tog et hold of for some ? So, METV is the only option ? and then as an earlier poster wrote, getting that renewed back home, is too costly (with flights and accommodation while waiting for approval) ? It does seem that 'financial constraints' are the biggest factor and those 'border bouncing' and attempting to circumvent the system are doing so out of financial desperation rather than any other preference (perhaps).