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

[Tomtomtom69]

44 minutes ago, RichardColeman said:

I'm all for dual pricing on occasions, makes a kind of sense that locals should get it cheaper.

 

But where does it stop, should BA make thais pay double for using a non-thai airline ? 

 

One thing for sure , if thais were forced to do similar abroad, then they owuld be crying racism

 

No, they wouldn't. Thais pay more than Laotians when visiting tourist sites there and don't complain about that.

[BangkokHank]

Even Thais know that it's wrong to charge us more. That's why they disguise the Thai prices by using Thai numerals, knowing that most foreigners can't read them.

[thesetat2013]

10 hours ago, MalcolmB said:

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

 

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.

You are confused... the cost of anyone who does not go to the university in their own state is also charged this higher fee. Not only for international students. 

[richard_smith237]

5 hours ago, pacovl46 said:

How many more times will this be posted????

 

It is what it is. There's nothing you can do about it, so suck it up! 

 

So why did you post ?...  there's no manner in which you can influence the opinion of others, no ??? , so suck it up, no ????.... 

   

[kwilco]

11 hours ago, tomacht8 said:

Maybe you do not know.

- Thai airways have special prices for Thais.

- I am talking about Massage Parlours in Huai Kwang. There exist of course a foreigner sur charge.

No, but they probably have a special price for you!

[kwilco]

10 hours ago, Neeranam said:

If married to a Thai, it's easy -  work for 3 years earning 40k, I was an English teacher. Applied and got it in 3 years, slight delay due to Covid. Don't even need to speak any Thai these days. Those saying it is hard are living in the 90s

If not married, yes, it's longer but quite simple, maybe not easy. 

Pink card is not meant to be accepted.

[gaucan]

I've got step by step guide on how to solve this for u:

step1) look at ur white privilege

step2) pay 

step3) stfu

ur welcome 🤗 

[gaucan]

3 hours ago, BangkokHank said:

Even Thais know that it's wrong to charge us more. That's why they disguise the Thai prices by using Thai numerals, knowing that most foreigners can't read them.

not everything centered around ur white tw4t ass, and certainly not thailand. 

 thais think its wrong to overcharge u ? tell me u r here first time without telling me u r here first time. But since im so nice and amazing I'll explain their actual thoughts : Oh, this Thai just trying to feed his family, so its ok to overcharge this stupid falang, they earn like 5k usd a month anyway so this is nothing to them. And most importantly u dont PAY TAXES HERE.

AND

its written in thai cuz most thais cant read ANY english duh, can u see further from ur nose?

 

u know nothing about thais and thailand and they dont give a <deleted> about u either, u r walking atm.

 

pack up and go vietnam and get drunk with other white trash there.

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, kwilco said:

Pink card is not meant to be accepted.

I'm talking about a blue card.

[kwilco]

49 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

I'm talking about a blue card.

What's a blue card?

[smew]

not only national park entrance fees.. just about every where even little fruit kiosk stands;; Thais = 20TB... others 30TB      

[Pdavies99]

18 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

 

Of course its racial, everyone knows that. Lets be honest are we suggesting that Thailand is not rascist?

 

Pure discrimination, and you dont see it in many countries!

 

 

[pacovl46]

10 hours ago, Tomtomtom69 said:

 

Wrong attitude.

 

However, I wonder why this news keeps coming up knowing nothing will be done about it. 

 

It is however telling that the writer has done no research, otherwise he or she would know that all nearby countries, other than mainland China, impose nationality based dual pricing. It's not a Thailand only thing. However, depending on the country and venue, some extend locals pricing to foreign residents too, which only a small number of mostly privately owned venues in Thailand do.

 

About the only good thing to emerge in recent years has been free entry to certain museums, historical parks and even national parks (the latter only applies to foreigners) during the New Year period.

 

They started this in 2019 (the national park free entry scheme, applying to some, not all parks was launched for the first time last December and lasted until the end of February). The validity of free entry to specific museums and all historical parks has gradually been extended from 5 days when it was first launched to 17 days in 2023/2024.

It's not the wrong attitude! What's always conveniently left out is that Thais on average earn a fraction of what people who have enough money to pay for a flight and a hotel in Thailand make a month. Should the Thais pay the same price as tourists? 10 bucks to get into a National Park for example is peanuts for a tourist. Also, no one is forced to go in there. 

 

There's dual pricing in Thailand and it's not gonna go away. So people have two options, either take it for what it is or bitch and moan about it, but it's not gonna change no matter how much people keep complaining about it. What I don't get is why this subject keeps popping up in this forum. It's literally flogging a dead horse at this point!

[pacovl46]

5 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

So why did you post ?...  there's no manner in which you can influence the opinion of others, no ??? , so suck it up, no ????.... 

   

To make a point...

[mdr224]

39 minutes ago, pacovl46 said:

It's not the wrong attitude! What's always conveniently left out is that Thais on average earn a fraction of what people who have enough money to pay for a flight and a hotel in Thailand make a month. Should the Thais pay the same price as tourists? 10 bucks to get into a National Park for example is peanuts for a tourist. Also, no one is forced to go in there. 

 

There's dual pricing in Thailand and it's not gonna go away. So people have two options, either take it for what it is or bitch and moan about it, but it's not gonna change no matter how much people keep complaining about it. What I don't get is why this subject keeps popping up in this forum. It's literally flogging a dead horse at this point!

If enough people refuse to pay a different price to the point where thailand was losing money, it would change. And i believe with the internet that this is possible

[bbbbooboo]

hmmm…. nothing hidden about it, it’s overt and blatant racism. I refuse to pay this money and go somewhere else usually

[PJ71]

13 hours ago, transam said:

Are you home alone......?  

hahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahaahhahaha

 

day #2 of hilarity.

[Ironmike]

Thailand is the most racist country on this planet it's not just the parks it's everywhere immigration, police, restaurants, kick boxing, and hugely in hospitals, I recently needed blood work done at Vicha hospital in Phuket and the doctor wrote to cost on the appointment form but as soon as I rocked up the price was tripled and the staff looked stupid saying they don't know why it was 3 times more. 

[willip]

Pure greed!!! Same as elsewhere for the farrang.  Food clothes etc. I was at a clothes market in khon kaen.  My wife's face looked angry!. I asked what was the problem?. She then said the lady asked why did she want the item cheaper?. Because it's the farrangs money!. To which she replied.  He's my husband, therefore it's our money 💰.  Never been to this lady since.  We all know one price for farrang.  And the Thai price. 

Had to go to government for registering something.  Because my wife had an English name the price was higher!!!!

(THAI CULTURE).

I'M currently paying and looking after my wife's grandchildren.  Her son is addicted to YABBA.  the future THAI CULTURE. no parenting from both parents.  ?

[willip]

21 hours 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....

No  back packers because of thai government greed. (Visas). I used to leave the country every month.  For visa runs.  I'd see alot of farrang every month.  Good day out!. Good for thai busses. Restaurants. Immigration. Long boats. All local people.  We used to stop at sarasin Bridge, the driver got out walked around the bus, dropped an envelope with 💰 in.  Then the border police would pick it up. We always found this amusing to watch. So blatant but a secret. The hotel couldn't get the right plates for the van to take it out of phuket. money was going into local peoples pockets!.

Then the government stopped the runs. The money had to go into the governments big pockets. 

What made this country was the people getting money. 

But now the super rich want it.

If you're one of these you don't have to worry about jail time. Also jobs for the family. 

[Kinok Farang]

Thais looking after their own.Nowt wrong with that.

UK however have a different view.

Hundreds of thousands of foreign men given free hotel rooms,food, phones,bus passes and lots more.Plus they are allowed to commit crimes without proper punishment.All without contributing a penny to the country.

The indigenous Brits however,(you know,the ones whose taxes are paying for all these spongers) are rapidly losing their country to the commies and islamists.

Tell me now,who has got it right,the Thais or the Brits?

[FruitPudding]

7 hours ago, gaucan said:

I've got step by step guide on how to solve this for u:

step1) look at ur white privilege

step2) pay 

step3) stfu

ur welcome 🤗 

 

Can't tell if this is satire or not.

[FruitPudding]

10 minutes ago, Kinok Farang said:

Thais looking after their own.Nowt wrong with that.

UK however have a different view.

Hundreds of thousands of foreign men given free hotel rooms,food, phones,bus passes and lots more.Plus they are allowed to commit crimes without proper punishment.All without contributing a penny to the country.

The indigenous Brits however,(you know,the ones whose taxes are paying for all these spongers) are rapidly losing their country to the commies and islamists.

Tell me now,who has got it right,the Thais or the Brits?

 

Agree with all your points, except the dual pricing of foreigners in Thailand. 

 

There's actually no logical connection in your line of reasoning; it's the fallacy of non-sequitur. 

 

[FruitPudding]

5 hours ago, Pdavies99 said:

Of course its racial, everyone knows that. Lets be honest are we suggesting that Thailand is not rascist?

 

Pure discrimination, and you dont see it in many countries!

 

 

 

You have to remember,  there's no sense of shame here.

[ravip]

22 hours ago, transam said:

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

On AN one has to get used for the occasional tripe that comes your way.

Slowly but surely, I am getting immune to it.

If you notice, some members past-time is to call others names and throwing insults - they even enjoy ganging up to enjoy their past-time!

[HuaHinNew]

It's not just attractions or golf courses, it's systemic throughout the whole society of Thailand. 

[john donson]

7x or 10x  more, is not more, it is EXTORTION ... and a reason to avoid such places

 

yes show them who's boss.. like 90 days bull  or giving a long stay married or working foreigner, a 5 year extension or just residency if proven to live here, have a life, kids, work or retirement...

[TigerandDog]

23 hours 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, foreigners are just ATM's to them.

I'd make a slight change to your comment and change foreigners to farangs because the ONLY people being slugged by the dual pricing are those with white skin or black skin. I've seen Japanese, Myanmar, Cambodians & even some Chinese tourists only paying the same price as Thais simply because they are Asian.

I also notice how the OP has conveniently omitted to make mention of the dual pricing in hospitals. How does that benefit teh culture. It just lines the pockets of the greedy hospital administrators and doctors.

[actonion]

18 hours ago, loong said:

 

24 hour is 18:00 

it would be if the  first  zero was  taken  away

[richard_smith237]

20 hours ago, Neeranam said:

21 hours ago, Albo said:

 

The path isn't  simple in fact it's pretty impossible and they like it that way. 

 

If you're not working for probably 8 years and making over 40,000 during all of it. You might have had some sort of trade which allowed you a reasonable salary and employment but most are here teaching. I talked for 10 years as a second career. I didn't make over 40K until my third year. When I left I was making 85 including my bonus. I would have had to have stayed on who knows how many years in order to be employed at the time of my application review. This among a myriad of other issues. Sorry, disingenuous post

 

Citizenship here really isn't even worth it. Although I am getting very fed up with having to apply for my annual extension to the point of thinking about leaving again

If married to a Thai, it's easy -  work for 3 years earning 40k, I was an English teacher. Applied and got it in 3 years, slight delay due to Covid. Don't even need to speak any Thai these days. Those saying it is hard are living in the 90s

If not married, yes, it's longer but quite simple, maybe not easy. 

 

A 'fairly solid idea'... IF one could stomach teaching for 40k per month, when realistically our time is far more valuable than that and people such as myself are already occupied with a real-job (thats not based in Thailand) - so taking such work is an impossibility until fully retired.

 

One possibility I thought of is to 'piggy back' on the family business, but InLaws have sold and retired, so that would mean getting the Wife to start her own business and piggy-backing as an employee on that - then the road to citizenship starts to get a little more complex (and then there is the aspect of getting the Wife British Citizenship which is a far easier path from 'our perspective').