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

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14 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

It is not false at all.  You just are single minded. You think the fee starts high as a baseline then is discounted for locals or whatever.  You do not know what the base fee was based on.  But blah blah.  Doesn't matter.  10 x a small number of baht is still a relatively small number.  I have not seen 10 x a fee in any Thai place I have been to.  And over my 15 trips over 20 years I have been to many parks, zoos, resort areas, Nong nooch, one million year crocodile park, aquarium, etc.

 

 

With respect, many of your comparisons simply don’t stack up with how dual pricing actually works in Thailand’s national parks.
Around the world, you do see discounts for certain groups — locals, pensioners, students, repeat visitors — but those are percentage reductions off a standard price. They’re designed to encourage more admissions so more people can enjoy the attraction. What you don’t see is foreigners being charged up to ten times the local rate, which is exactly what happens here. For example, a category 4 park charges Thais 50 baht and foreigners 500 baht. That means a Thai family of four pays 150 baht while a foreign family pays 1,500 baht for the same experience. Stay several days and the gap becomes absurd.
The idea that “10× a small number is still small” completely misses the point. With millions of visitors each year, this system both generates resentment and actively deters many foreigners from entering at all. Multiple studies have shown that outside of marine parks, the additional income from dual pricing is negligible. If fees were set fairly, and visitor numbers increased, the parks would actually benefit more from secondary spending — tours, food, camping, guides, local accommodation — which is where real income lies. That’s how attractions around the world are managed sustainably.
As for comparisons with U.S. state parks or other attractions: again, those are marginal differences, not tenfold surcharges. Suggesting otherwise is a false equivalence.
I’m not speaking without experience. I’ve lived and worked in Thailand for over 20 years, paid taxes, taught in the tourism field, and travelled extensively in the national parks, often camping in them. I’ve seen first-hand how the Department of National Parks struggles with mismanagement, underfunding, and poor visitor systems. Dual pricing doesn’t solve any of these problems — if anything, it adds to them by creating ill will among foreign visitors who would otherwise support and promote the parks.
And finally, dismissing concerns with “people can just choose not to go”  as watchcat – says
is, frankly, facile. Anyone who runs an attraction knows you have to pay attention to market forces: price and satisfaction are the two main levers. If your policy deters paying customers while delivering little to no benefit, then it’s simply bad management.
Dual pricing is not a matter of “hidden bias” or foreigners being over-sensitive. It’s an outdated system that damages Thailand’s image and undermines the financial sustainability of its national parks. The sooner it’s replaced with a fairer, transparent pricing model — ideally with resident rates for long-term expats — the better for everyone.
 

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  • lordblackader
    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

  • 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

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On 9/29/2025 at 3:24 PM, kwilco said:

 

Mr Anecdote - Your examples are worthless, as is your interpretation of them. This is, of course, the normal method used by racists – you'll be saying they're eating your cats next! Your next step is to say "I can't be racist, I married one!"

All I can suggest to you is to read my comment and not misinterpret, read into them and make unfounded claims. Don't put words in my mouth and don't insult me. Grow up and take your nappies off.

19 minutes ago, ZigM said:

All I can suggest to you is to read my comment and not misinterpret, read into them and make unfounded claims. Don't put words in my mouth and don't insult me. Grow up and take your nappies off.

Your reply - QED!

20 minutes ago, ZigM said:

not misinterpret, read into them and make unfounded claims.

so what claims are those?

On 9/27/2025 at 5:11 PM, ZigM said:

I've read some of the responses here. Some are intelligent but some are very ignorant. In most western countries, dual-pricing based on race, looks or physical attributes, is considered discrimination at best and racism at worst. When I used to complain to my Thai wife why we had to get separated and I go through the 'farang' line and pay more, she'd say: "That's just how it is!" and "Stop complaining!". She thought that I was complaining over nothing. One day, when we went to visit a popular site in Bangkok, I lined up in the 'farang' line and my then wife and our 9-year-old son lined up in the Asian-looking line. A guy in uniform spotted my not-so Asian-looking son and instructed him to go to the 'farang' line. As my son walked over to me, my wife sprung into action and screamed at the guy in uniform that our son was Thai. In the same breath, she yelled at my son to get back in the Thai line. My son looked at me confused but walked back over to his mother after I nodded that it was alright. The guy in uniform crept away, never to be heard from again.

I have a few take-aways here: my son, albeit of mixed heritage, is a Thai national. In fact, he has three nationalities. The guy in uniform did discrimatory racial profiling instead of asking for proof of citizenship. Even a 9-year-old 'farang' would need a passport to enter Thailand, right? Thais want me to accept when they are racist but fly off the handle when they themselves experience such. And finally, if it looks like racism, it probably is racism.

I'm sick to death of hearing excuses from Thais and non-Thais alike who justify dual-pricing because 'farangs' are allegedly wealthy, or, 'farangs' don't pay taxes, or, that's just how it is. Thailand is being left behind. My two Thai children (who are now adults and have three nationalities each) prefer not to have anything to do with Thailand. They live and work in their chosen country because, as they say, Thailand is a backward country and does not meet 21st Century expectations.

 

Your anecdotes do nothing to advance the discussion — it’s selective storytelling twisted into a “racism” narrative that simply isn’t accurate. 
Dual pricing in Thailand’s national parks and attractions is not based on race, skin colour, or looks. It’s based on citizenship status. Thai nationals — regardless of what they look like — are entitled to the Thai price. That’s why your son, as a Thai citizen, was able to enter under the local rate. The mistake was one poorly trained guard making a snap judgment, not “systemic racism.”
To spin that into “Thailand is racist” is lazy and shows a complete misunderstanding of how and why the system works. Dual pricing is about economics: Thai wages are a fraction of Western ones, and the government believes erroneously IMO in subsidising access for its own citizens. You may disagree with the policy — and I do too — but let’s not confuse bad economics and bad management with racism. That word has meaning, and throwing it around inaccurately only weakens the argument against dual pricing. Probably more applicable to yourself in fact.
The constant refrain of “in the West this would never happen” is equally hollow. In the West, you absolutely see different rates for locals, students, pensioners, or residents. The difference is usually modest, not tenfold — and that’s where Thailand gets it wrong. The problem here is the scale and the execution, not some imagined racist conspiracy.
And as for the sweeping claim that “Thailand is backward” and your kids want nothing to do with it — that says far more about your bitterness than about Thailand itself. Millions of foreigners live here, work here, and visit the parks happily every year. The fact that you can’t separate your personal grievances from the real issue of dual pricing shows exactly why this debate keeps going in circles.
If you want to criticise Thailand, at least criticise the right thing. The issue is mismanagement: national parks are poorly run, fees are arbitrarily set, and the system discourages visitors instead of encouraging sustainable tourism. That’s the real problem — not the fantasy that rangers are running around practicing “racial profiling” at the ticket booth.
Dual pricing is outdated, unhelpful, and bad for Thailand’s image. But calling it racism is not just wrong — it’s counterproductive.

31 minutes ago, ZigM said:

All I can suggest to you is to read my comment and not misinterpret, read into them and make unfounded claims. Don't put words in my mouth and don't insult me. Grow up and take your nappies off.

 

BTW – the "thumbs down"" icon is nothing more than a digital grunt – but par for the course, I suppose

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8 hours ago, kwilco said:

 

Your anecdotes do nothing to advance the discussion — it’s selective storytelling twisted into a “racism” narrative that simply isn’t accurate. 
Dual pricing in Thailand’s national parks and attractions is not based on race, skin colour, or looks. It’s based on citizenship status. Thai nationals — regardless of what they look like — are entitled to the Thai price. That’s why your son, as a Thai citizen, was able to enter under the local rate. The mistake was one poorly trained guard making a snap judgment, not “systemic racism.”
To spin that into “Thailand is racist” is lazy and shows a complete misunderstanding of how and why the system works. Dual pricing is about economics: Thai wages are a fraction of Western ones, and the government believes erroneously IMO in subsidising access for its own citizens. You may disagree with the policy — and I do too — but let’s not confuse bad economics and bad management with racism. That word has meaning, and throwing it around inaccurately only weakens the argument against dual pricing. Probably more applicable to yourself in fact.
The constant refrain of “in the West this would never happen” is equally hollow. In the West, you absolutely see different rates for locals, students, pensioners, or residents. The difference is usually modest, not tenfold — and that’s where Thailand gets it wrong. The problem here is the scale and the execution, not some imagined racist conspiracy.
And as for the sweeping claim that “Thailand is backward” and your kids want nothing to do with it — that says far more about your bitterness than about Thailand itself. Millions of foreigners live here, work here, and visit the parks happily every year. The fact that you can’t separate your personal grievances from the real issue of dual pricing shows exactly why this debate keeps going in circles.
If you want to criticise Thailand, at least criticise the right thing. The issue is mismanagement: national parks are poorly run, fees are arbitrarily set, and the system discourages visitors instead of encouraging sustainable tourism. That’s the real problem — not the fantasy that rangers are running around practicing “racial profiling” at the ticket booth.
Dual pricing is outdated, unhelpful, and bad for Thailand’s image. But calling it racism is not just wrong — it’s counterproductive.

Again, Kwilco, you did not read my post(s). You are misinterpreting them and misquoting me. My children said that: "Thailand is a backward country and does not meet 21st Century expectations". Had you read my post, you would know that. You ramble on about personal grievances which don't exist? You just make up stuff and invent confected outrage. You don't know me. If you can't contribute meaningfully to this forum, stay away. No one wants to be insulted by your ignorance and troll-like behaviour. Thank you, now stop commenting.

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I boycott anywhere that does. If I remember correct I am a human being like the Thais.

8 hours ago, ZigM said:

Again, Kwilco, you did not read my post(s). You are misinterpreting them and misquoting me. My children said that: "Thailand is a backward country and does not meet 21st Century expectations". Had you read my post, you would know that. You ramble on about personal grievances which don't exist? You just make up stuff and invent confected outrage. You don't know me. If you can't contribute meaningfully to this forum, stay away. No one wants to be insulted by your ignorance and troll-like behaviour. Thank you, now stop commenting.

If your only reply is to twist words and hurl insults and ad hominems, then you’ve already conceded the argument. Dual pricing is bad policy, but it isn’t racism — gainsaying and denying the evidence and no amount of personal anecdotes will make it so. 

18 hours ago, ZigM said:

Again, Kwilco, you did not read my post(s). You are misinterpreting them and misquoting me. My children said that: "Thailand is a backward country and does not meet 21st Century expectations". Had you read my post, you would know that. You ramble on about personal grievances which don't exist? You just make up stuff and invent confected outrage. You don't know me. If you can't contribute meaningfully to this forum, stay away. No one wants to be insulted by your ignorance and troll-like behaviour. Thank you, now stop commenting.

what "personal grievances " are those?

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Here's my summary of dual pricing..... 

 

20 Things to Think About Dual Pricing in Thai Tourism:
Dual pricing is charging foreigners significantly more than locals to enter attractions and national parks. It has been a feature of Thai tourism for decades. Supporters say it’s about protecting citizens from high costs, but in reality it’s a system riddled with flaws.

Since the 1990s, academics and experts have warned it is outdated, unfair, and harmful to Thailand’s global image. Here are 20 things to think about before defending or dismissing it.

 

1. It’s not universal
Resident discounts exist worldwide, but the scale in Thailand (5–10x more for foreigners) is extreme.

 

2. The “foreigners are rich” argument is simplistic
Ability to pay and willingness to pay are not the same thing. Tourists can always choose not to go.

 

3. Costs matter
Ticket prices should reflect local wages, upkeep, and running costs — not arbitrary multipliers.

 

4. The “locals priced out” excuse is weak
Transport, food, and lost working time are bigger barriers than entry tickets. Someone is always “priced out.”

 

5. It hurts local economies
A 500 baht ticket is 500 baht not spent on restaurants, rickshaws, or hotels.

 

6. Misuse of funds
Claims that high foreigner fees fund conservation are rarely true. Maintenance remains poor.

 

7. Secrecy breeds corruption
Where the money goes is opaque. Scandals around the Department of National Parks stretch back decades.

 

8. Neglect of the parks
Despite high fees, most parks remain understaffed, poorly managed, and neglected.

 

9. Bad for tourism’s image
Visitors resent being treated differently. It damages Thailand’s reputation for fairness and hospitality.
 

10. Unequal enforcement
Rangers make snap judgements on looks, leading to embarrassing scenes for mixed-heritage families.
 

11. Exclusion of foreigners
High fees push families and groups away, reducing repeat visits and longer stays.
 

12. Lost opportunities inside the park
Once tourists have overspent at the gate, they have less to spend on camping, food, or souvenirs.
 

13. Ignores successful global models
Countries like Australia and Costa Rica charge fairer, transparent rates — and reinvest visibly in conservation.
 

14. Research has been ignored
From the 1995 Khao Yai “Green Finance” report to 2007 studies, experts have called for reform. Nothing has changed.
 

15. Locals are willing to pay more
Surveys show Thai citizens would accept higher entry fees if money was transparently used.
 

16. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) isn’t that different
Research shows Thai and foreign visitors’ WTP levels are closer than assumed. Dual pricing exaggerates the gap.
 

17. The wrong type of revenue
Sustainable income comes from added services — guides, camping, food — not inflated entrance tickets.
 

18. Missed chance for multi-day passes
Reasonably priced multi-day tickets would encourage longer stays and more local spending.
 

19. Political mismanagement
The Department of National Parks is a ministerial backwater plagued by corruption, hurting conservation.
 

20. Out of step with 21st-century tourism
Globally, tourists expect fairness and transparency. Dual pricing keeps Thailand stuck in the past.

 

The Solution
The way forward is not complicated. A fairer, more effective model would include:
1.   Uniform pricing with modest discounts – a single, transparent rate for all visitors, with reduced entry for children, students, and the elderly.
2.   Park-specific pricing – fees reflecting the true scale, quality, and costs of each park, rather than arbitrary categories.
3.   Multi-day passes – encouraging longer stays, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
4.   Revenue from added services – camping, guiding, food outlets, tours, equipment hire, and souvenirs – generates far more sustainable income than high entry fees.
5.   Transparency and accountability – clear reporting on how revenues are collected and spent, ensuring money actually supports conservation.
Surveys suggest Thai citizens would accept modest increases in entry fees, provided the money was transparently used. This aligns with global best practice: in countries like Australia or Costa Rica, fees are fair, tiered by services, and reinvested visibly in conservation and visitor experience.

 

Conclusion
Dual pricing is not just a bad look—it’s bad economics. It alienates tourists, discourages sustainable spending, and fails to fund conservation. Worse, it has been criticised for decades, with clear alternatives already proposed: fairer uniform prices, discounts for students and seniors, multi-day passes, and reinvestment in services that benefit both parks and communities.

 

Thailand doesn’t need excuses for dual pricing — it needs the courage to replace it.
 

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On 9/30/2025 at 7:21 PM, Mitkof Island said:

I boycott anywhere that does. If I remember correct I am a human being like the Thais.

Yes it is that simple.  If one doesn't like or agree with things then do not go there or partake.  Kwilco wants to argue, discuss, badger, belittle and waste time on a very small to insignificant issue to most people.  

13 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

Yes it is that simple.  If one doesn't like or agree with things then do not go there or partake.  Kwilco wants to argue, discuss, badger, belittle and waste time on a very small to insignificant issue to most people.  

 

Calling dual pricing “insignificant” just shows a lack of awareness of how Thailand’s tourism economy actually works. 
National parks and marine parks are not sideshows — they are central to the tourism industry that accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP. When fees are set unfairly or managed badly, it directly affects both ends of the spectrum: some places collapse under overtourism (Maya Bay had 2.5 million visitors in 2018 before being forced to close), while others are left underused and underfunded because the system drives people away.
This isn’t about “whining” or “belittling” — it’s about recognising that bad policy damages Thailand’s image, its environment, and its economy. 
Boycotting isn’t a solution either; that’s just cutting off the nose to spite your face. The solution is honest discussion and reform, which is exactly what you dismiss as “arguing.” Pretending it’s a “tiny issue” helps no one — least of all Thailand.

On 10/1/2025 at 12:21 AM, Mitkof Island said:

I boycott anywhere that does. If I remember correct I am a human being like the Thais.

 

You say: “I boycott anywhere that does. If I remember correct I am a human being like the Thais.”
A few questions then:
As a “human being like the Thais,” how exactly does that stop you visiting places (or do you expect Thai “human pricing?)
Have you truly never set foot in Khao Yai, Erawan, or any of the other 100+ national parks?
Never been to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, or any of the temples that charge?
Skipped the marine parks — Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samet, Similans?
Passed on museums like Ban Chiang or UNESCO heritage sites?
Declined every Muay Thai stadium and private hospital, many of which also dual price?
These are the places where dual pricing is explicit and well-documented. And then there are the countless others where you only discover it when you get to the gate or when the bill arrives.
So forgive me if your “boycott” claim sounds more like posturing than principle.
 

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Have you truly never set foot in Khao Yai, Erawan, or any of the other 100+ national parks?

Never.

 

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Never been to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, or any of the temples that charge?

Been there when the charge was 100B. Second time it was free.

Wat Arun and the others,  never more than 30B.

Wouldn't go at today's prices. 

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Skipped the marine parks — Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samet, Similans?

Skipped, except for Koh Phiphi. Do they charge for that sad piece of overrun sh>t now? 

 

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Passed on museums like Ban Chiang or UNESCO heritage sites?

Passed. Sorry, don't  know about any UNESCO heritage site in Thailand. 

Are places like Phimai nowadays in the list? It was free.

 

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Declined every Muay Thai stadium

Declined.

 

I did the tourist things in the 90s, and it was a sad experience even then,  when things were mostly free and not completely overrun and turned into plastic tourist traps.

 

BTW comparing Thailand to places like Australia and Costa Rica is a joke.

6 hours ago, kwilco said:

 

Calling dual pricing “insignificant” just shows a lack of awareness of how Thailand’s tourism economy actually works. 
National parks and marine parks are not sideshows — they are central to the tourism industry that accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP. When fees are set unfairly or managed badly, it directly affects both ends of the spectrum: some places collapse under overtourism (Maya Bay had 2.5 million visitors in 2018 before being forced to close), while others are left underused and underfunded because the system drives people away.
This isn’t about “whining” or “belittling” — it’s about recognising that bad policy damages Thailand’s image, its environment, and its economy. 
Boycotting isn’t a solution either; that’s just cutting off the nose to spite your face. The solution is honest discussion and reform, which is exactly what you dismiss as “arguing.” Pretending it’s a “tiny issue” helps no one — least of all Thailand.

Let it go kid.  Nobody cares about your incessant blurbs.  I have been going to Thailand since 2004 and know more about Thailand than you probably do.  The dual prices are not significant for the vast majority of people.  Get back to your paper route kid

6 hours ago, kwilco said:

 

Calling dual pricing “insignificant” just shows a lack of awareness of how Thailand’s tourism economy actually works. 
National parks and marine parks are not sideshows — they are central to the tourism industry that accounts for nearly 20% of Thailand’s GDP. When fees are set unfairly or managed badly, it directly affects both ends of the spectrum: some places collapse under overtourism (Maya Bay had 2.5 million visitors in 2018 before being forced to close), while others are left underused and underfunded because the system drives people away.
This isn’t about “whining” or “belittling” — it’s about recognising that bad policy damages Thailand’s image, its environment, and its economy. 
Boycotting isn’t a solution either; that’s just cutting off the nose to spite your face. The solution is honest discussion and reform, which is exactly what you dismiss as “arguing.” Pretending it’s a “tiny issue” helps no one — least of all Thailand.

and if the places do close or collapse, well that is Thailand's fault.  It is their country.  Actions have consequences

11 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

Let it go kid.  Nobody cares about your incessant blurbs.  I have been going to Thailand since 2004 and know more about Thailand than you probably do.  The dual prices are not significant for the vast majority of people.  Get back to your paper route kid

 

Your “Let it go, kid” line is pure ad hominem—and it proves the point: when you can’t answer evidence, you attack the person. So let me be clear about facts and experience.
I first visited Thailand in 1994 and, apart from 2021, have returned every year since. From 2020, I lived and worked in Thailand for 20 years across industry, tourism, universities and government departments (including working for senior politicians and officials). 

I’ve driven and camped widely in national parks, taught tourism, and have direct experience of how these systems operate. That’s not “blurb” — it’s background you dismissed without reading.

Now the facts you’re ignoring:

  • Tourism—and specifically natural-heritage tourism—is a major part of Thailand’s economy (around 20% of GDP).
  • Dual pricing is not an innocuous quirk; when foreigners are charged 5–10× local rates, it changes behaviour. It deters families and groups, reduces multi-day stays, and cuts the secondary spending that actually helps local businesses (food, guides, accommodation).
  • Overtourism and underuse exist side-by-side: Maya Bay reached ~2.5 million visitors in 2018 and had to close; elsewhere parks are underused because poor policy and pricing drive visitors away. That is not “insignificant”.
  • Many studies and reports (Khao Yai and others since the 1990s) show the system is mismanaged, opaque, and often fails to channel revenue back into conservation. Corruption and secrecy around park funds are real problems—not something you solve by name-calling.

And finally, your second message—"If places close or collapse, well, that is Thailand’s fault. "Actions have consequences"—this is both true and exactly the reason people criticise policy. 

Criticism isn’t whining: it’s an attempt to prevent collapse, reduce corruption, and secure sustainable income for parks and local communities. Saying “that’s their fault, so whatever” is lazy and defeatist. – It’s sad you neither know nor care.
If you want to argue, bring evidence and reasoned points. If you prefer playground insults, that’s your choice — but don’t pretend you’ve won an argument by calling someone “kid”.

Your insults don’t change the facts. Dual pricing is a policy problem with real economic and environmental consequences — not something fixed by name-calling. I doubt you ever interact with any educated Thai people 

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9 hours ago, kwilco said:

From 2020, I lived and worked in Thailand for 20 years

I didn't know its 2040 already. 

(Sorry, just couldn't help it)

On 12/5/2024 at 7:23 PM, 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.

 

Need context 

On 10/2/2025 at 7:18 PM, Lorry said:

Never.

 

Been there when the charge was 100B. Second time it was free.

Wat Arun and the others,  never more than 30B.

Wouldn't go at today's prices. 

Skipped, except for Koh Phiphi. Do they charge for that sad piece of overrun sh>t now? 

 

Passed. Sorry, don't  know about any UNESCO heritage site in Thailand. 

Are places like Phimai nowadays in the list? It was free.

 

Declined.

 

I did the tourist things in the 90s, and it was a sad experience even then,  when things were mostly free and not completely overrun and turned into plastic tourist traps.

 

BTW comparing Thailand to places like Australia and Costa Rica is a joke.

not comparing to – I'm saying they should take a lesson out of their books – but as you have never visited any parks, you wouldn't know - 

One reason why I never visited one are the prices.

We once passed, by chance, at the gate of the Khon Kaen dinosaur park.

So, once we are here anyway,  why not take a look?

The place was deserted, only the two of us, and 2 cashiers.

When they wanted to charge me their dinosaur price, the place stayed deserted.

2 hours ago, Lorry said:

One reason why I never visited one are the prices.

We once passed, by chance, at the gate of the Khon Kaen dinosaur park.

So, once we are here anyway,  why not take a look?

The place was deserted, only the two of us, and 2 cashiers.

When they wanted to charge me their dinosaur price, the place stayed deserted.

 

not sure what point you are trying to make ...

So I draw your attention to point 16 of my summary

On 10/3/2025 at 4:03 AM, kwilco said:

 

Your “Let it go, kid” line is pure ad hominem—and it proves the point: when you can’t answer evidence, you attack the person. So let me be clear about facts and experience.
I first visited Thailand in 1994 and, apart from 2021, have returned every year since. From 2020, I lived and worked in Thailand for 20 years across industry, tourism, universities and government departments (including working for senior politicians and officials). 

I’ve driven and camped widely in national parks, taught tourism, and have direct experience of how these systems operate. That’s not “blurb” — it’s background you dismissed without reading.

Now the facts you’re ignoring:

  • Tourism—and specifically natural-heritage tourism—is a major part of Thailand’s economy (around 20% of GDP).
  • Dual pricing is not an innocuous quirk; when foreigners are charged 5–10× local rates, it changes behaviour. It deters families and groups, reduces multi-day stays, and cuts the secondary spending that actually helps local businesses (food, guides, accommodation).
  • Overtourism and underuse exist side-by-side: Maya Bay reached ~2.5 million visitors in 2018 and had to close; elsewhere parks are underused because poor policy and pricing drive visitors away. That is not “insignificant”.
  • Many studies and reports (Khao Yai and others since the 1990s) show the system is mismanaged, opaque, and often fails to channel revenue back into conservation. Corruption and secrecy around park funds are real problems—not something you solve by name-calling.

And finally, your second message—"If places close or collapse, well, that is Thailand’s fault. "Actions have consequences"—this is both true and exactly the reason people criticise policy. 

Criticism isn’t whining: it’s an attempt to prevent collapse, reduce corruption, and secure sustainable income for parks and local communities. Saying “that’s their fault, so whatever” is lazy and defeatist. – It’s sad you neither know nor care.
If you want to argue, bring evidence and reasoned points. If you prefer playground insults, that’s your choice — but don’t pretend you’ve won an argument by calling someone “kid”.

Your insults don’t change the facts. Dual pricing is a policy problem with real economic and environmental consequences — not something fixed by name-calling. I doubt you ever interact with any educated Thai people 

give it a break and find something useful to do. If you don't like the pricing then write to the appropriate Thai agencies.  Start some blogs.  See where that gets you.  It is their country.  I do not need any evidence.  the pricing is what it is.  Go ahead and publicly complain and accuse the Thai agencies of theft, corruption, and whatever else.  Make a stink and see where that gets you.  extra park funds are no issue for most people because they do not go very often.  

On 12/5/2024 at 7:26 PM, G_Money said:

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

haha.  yeah.  It just is not a lot of money in any real sense for a foreigner that might go to one or two of these a year.  Let those that hate it complain publicly and call out the Thai agencies and government officials in a negative way.  See where that gets them

On 12/5/2024 at 7:18 PM, webfact said:

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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.

 

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-- 2024-12-06

 

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$1

Granted it is a large percentage fee increase for Foreigners, but percentages are not a good measure of a complaint about it.  The cost is 300 baht!  That is only $10 USD!   If paying that once or twice a year is an issue for a foreigner in Thailand, then that person has  bigger financial problems to worry about

7 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

Granted it is a large percentage fee increase for Foreigners, but percentages are not a good measure of a complaint about it.  The cost is 300 baht!  That is only $10 USD!   If paying that once or twice a year is an issue for a foreigner in Thailand, then that person has  bigger financial problems to worry about

work it out for a family of four for 3 days! plus car and tents. Which categpry park are you talking about?

16 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

give it a break and find something useful to do. If you don't like the pricing then write to the appropriate Thai agencies.  Start some blogs.  See where that gets you.  It is their country.  I do not need any evidence.  the pricing is what it is.  Go ahead and publicly complain and accuse the Thai agencies of theft, corruption, and whatever else.  Make a stink and see where that gets you.  extra park funds are no issue for most people because they do not go very often.  

 

Why should I? You haven't; you keep coming back – I guess you don't like to be shown up in a discussion, but you haven't actually contributed any argument at all, have you? You just sound increasingly desperate to save face.

25 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

haha.  yeah.  It just is not a lot of money in any real sense for a foreigner that might go to one or two of these a year.  Let those that hate it complain publicly and call out the Thai agencies and government officials in a negative way.  See where that gets them

 

Nice to see you're rereading the whole thread despite what you have said about the insignificance of the topic – of course you've got the wrong end of the stick yet againt again – trivialising it misses the point entirely. Dual pricing isn’t about who can pay—it’s about running national parks sustainably and fairly.”

  • 1 month later...
On 12/8/2024 at 8:37 AM, CCesar said:

 

 

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