Dual Pricing in Thai Tourism: Economic Necessity or Hidden Bias?

[webfact]

FILE photo for reference only

 

ANALYSIS

 

Thailand's dual pricing policy, where foreign tourists often pay more than locals at attractions, sparks ongoing conversation. This practice, grounded in economic rationale, sometimes stirs feelings of exclusion among visitors, leading to mixed reviews and accusations of inequity—although it's crucial to note the difference between nationality-based pricing and racial discrimination.

 

Visitors to popular destinations, such as temples and national parks, encounter this tiered pricing structure, which charges foreigners higher fees compared to local residents.

 

Supporters argue it boosts domestic tourism by offering locals affordable access to cultural sites and helps fund and sustain these attractions amidst the influx of foreign tourists. Defending this strategy, proponents assert it's necessary for the upkeep of the nation’s cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

 

Opinions diverge sharply on this issue. Critics label it as an unfavourable practice that creates a rift between locals and tourists. Many visitors feel targeted due to nationality-based pricing, viewing it as an implicit form of discrimination.

While not racially motivated, this differential treatment based on nationality can unintentionally harm Thailand’s reputation as a hospitable destination, provoking feelings of inequity among international travellers.

 

Furthermore, the higher costs could deter some tourists, potentially affecting Thailand's competitiveness compared to neighbouring nations without such policies. Charges for foreigners can be significantly steeper, leading tourists to question the fairness of paying more for identical experiences as locals.

 

Nevertheless, Thailand remains a magnetic tourist destination thanks to its diverse cultural offerings. Despite higher fees, many visitors continue to flock to its renowned sites, suggesting that the exotic appeal outweighs financial grievances, at least for now. Advocates for dual pricing insist that these funds are critical for sustaining the infrastructure and services that make the sites attractive and accessible to all visitors.

 

The challenge moving forward lies in balancing the financial needs of maintaining tourist attractions with maintaining Thailand's image as an open and inclusive environment for all travellers.

 

Exploring a more balanced pricing strategy that respects both local and global visitors might enhance Thailand's tourist appeal and mitigate feelings of exclusion. Transparent dialogue about the purpose and benefits could bridge divides, fostering a more understanding atmosphere among international guests and aligning economic strategies with Thailand’s longstanding tradition of warm hospitality, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2024-12-06

 

 

[PJ71]

@transam - You'll be able to show them who's boss with your pink ID card - hahahahhahahahahhahahaha

 

You and 'your gang' probably seek out opportunities like this........ you probably live for it, sad but likely true.

[G_Money]

If the whiners need a loan to enter the park, let me know.

[lordblackader]

The problem with the article isn't that tourists are charged more; it's that people living and working in Thailand and paying taxes have to pay up to 900% more. Try charging a Thai living in a Western country who is paying income tax and who has the local equivalent of Social Security 900% more to enter a park - all hell would break loose, and you'd never hear the end of how racist and discriminatory it was. 

[BarBoy]

It's a disgrace and should be named and shamed at every possible opportunity.

 

Disgusting practice that can completely ruin a family day out.

[lordgrinz]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

@transam - You'll be able to show them who's boss with your pink ID card - hahahahhahahahahhahahaha

 

You and 'your gang' probably seek out opportunities like this........ you probably live for it, sad but likely true.

 

Has worked for me, but I don't "seek out opportunities", my wife just asks me for my card before we pay 😜

 

It works about 95% of the time, as it should for those of us who aren't actually foreign tourists.

[transam]

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

@transam - You'll be able to show them who's boss with your pink ID card - hahahahhahahahahhahahaha

 

You and 'your gang' probably seek out opportunities like this........ you probably live for it, sad but likely true.

More tripe from the bloke that is envious, because he can't get a yellow book or pink ID card......😰............

[lordgrinz]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Many visitors feel targeted due to nationality-based pricing, viewing it as an implicit form of discrimination.

 

Well it is, they know it, and they don't care. It's not like they have a racially diverse population, its a closed society, foreigners are just ATM's to them.

[UWEB]

You always have the option to turn around and go if it is not worth to pay the higher prices. Have done it a couple of times and will keep on doing it.

[mdr224]

36 minutes ago, BarBoy said:

It's a disgrace and should be named and shamed at every possible opportunity.

 

Disgusting practice that can completely ruin a family day out.

I feel like im the only one boycotting it. I never enter parks or buy things that are a different price for me. Gotta stand for something

[KireB]

Hate to pay more tax and more entrance fees than my wife

[MalcolmB]

42 minutes ago, BarBoy said:

It's a disgrace and should be named and shamed at every possible opportunity.

 

Disgusting practice that can completely ruin a family day out.

Bob, you are sounding a bit woke again.

 

I like the fact that the Thais are not woke. 
 

 

[StayinThailand2much]

Well, I can only speak for myself, but definitely lost income for Thailand, as I not only do not visit/use such dual-pricing places/services, but also am very cautious about other, similar tourism offers. That means, no income at all for those sights thanks to this practice, rather than a moderate business income.

[MalcolmB]

55 minutes ago, lordblackader said:

Try charging a Thai living in a Western country who is paying income tax and who has the local equivalent of Social Security 900% more to enter a park - all hell would break loose, and you'd never hear the end of how racist and discriminatory it was. 

Well, for a start they would actually have to get in to a western country first wouldnt they. 
Thais can not simply buy an air ticket and fly over to the west. We don’t let them.

 

We make them pay to apply for a visa, often traveling hundreds of kms to our embassies , which is non refundable when we reject them.

 

I never hear them carrying on how racist and discriminatory we are. 
None of the woke BS

[actonion]

06.00pm what kind of time is that

[MalcolmB]

12 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

I feel like im the only one boycotting it. I never enter parks or buy things that are a different price for me. Gotta stand for something

The only person who notices is you.

 

The higher prices does have the affect of you don’t get all the cheap Charlie riff raff in these places which is nice.

A bit like a bar or restaurant with higher prices. It keeps the scum out.

[MalcolmB]

17 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Well it is, they know it, and they don't care. It's not like they have a racially diverse population, its a closed society.

Apart from the large Chinese Thai population, the seven hill tribes, the large Indian Thai population, the Malay population in the south the sea gypsies and the Issan people 

[mdr224]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

The only person who notices is you.

 

The higher prices does have the affect of you don’t get all the cheap Charlie riff raff in these places which is nice.

A bit like a bar or restaurant with higher prices. It keeps the scum out.

If the discrimination doesnt bother you thats good for you, it goes against my beliefs. Our countries dont charge asians a different price

[ikke1959]

I never go to attraction which have a dual price like this.. Why should I pay 300 THB while Thai people only pay 40 THB?? I pay tax already and that is more than enough... 

 

This kind of policy is killing the tourism, but ah Thailand is killing everything by themselves... Now they talk about higher VAT which will cost more than it benefits.. The imported wines are soo expensive that foreigners drink less wines and so less tax for the Government.

And you can see that the wine shelves in stores are offering less and less, and many many more examples.. Look at the tourist industry. Of course there need to be rules, but 20 years ago everybody was happy. Many foreigners had a shop or restaurant with their wife, but as someone wanted to be famous and enforcement the rules many foreigners left with more poverty for the families they supported. Same with the backpackers.. Many came here and taught for a few months in school and spend their earnings in the holidays here and weekends, but as workpermits are so difficult to get and Kurusapha asked so many extra paperwork, many stopped and now almost no foreigners anymore and the backpackers left to other countries were it is easier to get a job. Andf still Thailand believes it is the best country for a holiday....

[Neeranam]

When playing Royal Melbourne Golf Club with my Aussie friend(who lives in Thailand), I was charged 5,000 baht more. 

It is not discrimination, stop moaning.

Discrimination is when I(a white Thai) am not allowed the Thai price at a local golf course because of the colour of my skin, or when I am not allowed to buy a condo as they don't want farang there. 

[mdr224]

1 minute ago, ikke1959 said:

I never go to attraction which have a dual price like this.. Why should I pay 300 THB while Thai people only pay 40 THB?? I pay tax already and that is more than enough... 

 

This kind of policy is killing the tourism, but ah Thailand is killing everything by themselves... Now they talk about higher VAT which will cost more than it benefits.. The imported wines are soo expensive that foreigners drink less wines and so less tax for the Government.

And you can see that the wine shelves in stores are offering less and less, and many many more examples.. Look at the tourist industry. Of course there need to be rules, but 20 years ago everybody was happy. Many foreigners had a shop or restaurant with their wife, but as someone wanted to be famous and enforcement the rules many foreigners left with more poverty for the families they supported. Same with the backpackers.. Many came here and taught for a few months in school and spend their earnings in the holidays here and weekends, but as workpermits are so difficult to get and Kurusapha asked so many extra paperwork, many stopped and now almost no foreigners anymore and the backpackers left to other countries were it is easier to get a job. Andf still Thailand believes it is the best country for a holiday....

I believe youre right and if every foreigner refused to pay the higher price then the country would have no choice but to charge everyone the same or lose their tourists

[Albo]

2 hours ago, G_Money said:

If the whiners need a loan to enter the park, let me know.

 

Don't be so smug. Dec Jan park long stay I will be dropping b6250 on fees.

 

Most Thai parks are simply not worth b400 entry. Ayutthaya comes quickly to mind as most random waterfalls.

 

Park system is totally corrupt so it's not as though it goes to support the parks or wildlife.

 

** For seven out of the 10 years I worked here I was in that 1% tax bracket. Received nothing for it

 

Wake up

[MalcolmB]

7 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

If the discrimination doesnt bother you thats good for you, it goes against my beliefs.

From your previous comments about immigrants in your country and mine I thought you were fine with discrimination? 
No?

 

10 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

Our countries dont charge asians a different price

Yes they do.

 

International Student Tuition CostFor international students in the U.S., the cost total of attendance is high – much higher than it is for domestic students. Generally, attending school in the U.S will cost between US$10,000 and US$55,000 per year.

[NoDisplayName]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Many visitors feel targeted due to nationality-based pricing, viewing it as an implicit form of discrimination.

 

implicit /ĭm-plĭs′ĭt/ adjective

1. Implied or understood though not directly expressed.
   "an implicit agreement not to raise the touchy subject."
2. Contained in the nature of something though not readily apparent.

explicit /ĭk-splĭs′ĭt/ adjective

1. Fully and clearly expressed; leaving nothing implied.
   "explicit approval."
2. Fully developed or formulated.
   "has an explicit idea of what to say in the paper."

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

 

 

[CMFarang]

The economic side may be , that the foreigners will avoid these attractions. Still , many will still visit and Pay the higher price.

Advantage is the higher income with less people to deal with.

Same as oranges , tiny season cuts crop in half , so triple the price of oranges to make it a profitable year.

Basic marketing 101.

[ChipButty]

Dont pay it, it's a simple as that, Duel pricing happens in lots of places, like hospitals, I have seen restaurants where I live have two menu's one for Thai and one for a Farang, one I remember had 20 baht on everything, didn't last long word got around very quick, 

[grain]

I just don't pay these dual prices, don't go to their grubby national parks full of plastic bags and mangy dogs, and I've seen enough gaudy Thai temples to last me half a dozen lifetimes. 

[G_Money]

24 minutes ago, Albo said:

 

Don't be so smug. Dec Jan park long stay I will be dropping b6250 on fees.

 

Most Thai parks are simply not worth b400 entry. Ayutthaya comes quickly to mind as most random waterfalls.

 

Park system is totally corrupt so it's not as though it goes to support the parks or wildlife.

 

** For seven out of the 10 years I worked here I was in that 1% tax bracket. Received nothing for it

 

Wake up

So you do need a loan after all?

[Neeranam]

28 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

For international students in the U.S., the cost total of attendance is high – much higher than it is for domestic students. Generally, attending school in the U.S will cost between US$10,000 and US$55,000 per year

My daughter is a British citizen and pays the foreign student price in the UK. 

[Albo]

12 minutes ago, G_Money said:

So you do need a loan after all?

 

Sure, I'll take it. 100k

 

Thai terms ok?