Travel Rising Prices, Broken Systems Dim Thailand’s Tourist Charm

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand, once a beacon for budget-conscious travellers worldwide, is increasingly facing criticism from international tourists over escalating costs and shifting experiences. Historically renowned for its picturesque beaches, lively cities, and affordability, the kingdom is now being reevaluated by tourists disenchanted with what it currently offers.

 

Cost Concerns: Value for Money Diminishing

 

In recent weeks, a surge of online complaints—evident through nearly 2,000 comments on a Bangkok Post Learning social media post—has echoed the sentiment that Thailand is no longer the cost-effective destination it once was. Travellers have noted exorbitant increases in accommodation prices, especially in popular tourist enclaves such as Koh Samui and Pattaya. For instance, visitors report that hotel rates have tripled, with dining expenses for a simple meal skyrocketing to unprecedented levels.

 

While global inflation plays a role, many argue that Thailand's price hikes outpace standard inflation, describing the increases as "pure greed." Tourists who previously paid $300 for a flight to Thailand now face fares nearing $1,000, a substantial deterrent for those attracted to Thailand’s erstwhile affordability.

 

Bureaucracy Blues: Navigating a Maze of Regulations

 

Another major grievance is the increasingly cumbersome visa and immigration processes. The mandatory TDAC system, requiring prior online registration, has proven especially vexing for older, less tech-savvy travellers. Additionally, the reduction of tourist visa duration from 60 to 30 days has displeased long-stay visitors, further complicating travel plans for those seeking extended stays.

 

Cannabis Concerns: A New Identity Taking Shape

 

Thailand's liberalisation of cannabis laws, once heralded as progressive, has led to an unexpected identity crisis. Many visitors express their discomfort with the widespread aroma of cannabis, particularly those travelling with children. The pervasive smell is seen as detracting from Thailand's family-friendly appeal and drawing tourists more interested in partaking in cannabis than enjoying traditional attractions.

 

Two-Tier Pricing: Fueling Frustrations

 

Adding to the grievances is the clear disparity in pricing between locals and foreigners. Tourists recount paying significantly higher entry fees for attractions compared to Thai nationals, a system they deem discriminatory. This pricing strategy is prevalent across many services, including restaurant menus and transport costs, leaving a sour taste for many.

 

Alternative Destinations: Neighbours Offering Better Experiences

 

Disillusionment with Thailand's current trajectory is pushing tourists to explore neighbouring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines, which are increasingly perceived as providing better value and experiences. These countries boast growing infrastructures, welcoming atmospheres, and lower prices on comparable travel offerings.

 

 

 

"I spent three months in Vietnam compared to just one month in Pattaya," recounts one traveller, highlighting the shifting preferences. Tourists are finding that destinations such as Boracay in the Philippines or Bali in Indonesia offer stunning natural beauty at a fraction of the cost seen in Thailand.

 

Quality Matters: Scrutiny Over Infrastructure and Cleanliness

 

Concerns extend beyond costs and cannabis. Travellers have highlighted issues with Thailand’s tourist infrastructure, particularly the cleanliness of its beaches and the state of public facilities. The pollution in urban areas and the neglected conditions of pavements further erode Thailand's appeal.

 

Overcrowding in tourist hotspots—an issue exacerbated by aggressive tourism campaigns—has also diminished the serene beauty once synonymous with destinations like Phuket and Hua Hin. Additionally, recent events, such as the earthquake and building collapse at Chatuchak market, have raised safety concerns, leaving some wary of staying in high-rise accommodations.

 

Future Directions: Thailand's Path Ahead

 

While current trends point towards dissatisfaction, some locals see this as a chance for reassessment. Reduced tourist numbers could provide an opportunity to rehabilitate the environment and improve the country's infrastructure, focusing on attracting tourists who offer more than fleeting visits and superficial spending.

 

Several tourists express enduring fondness for Thailand, but caution that without significant reforms, the country risks losing market share to competitive neighbours. Future efforts should prioritise restoring cost-effectiveness, simplifying travel processes, and addressing infrastructural shortcomings.

 

In conclusion, maintaining Thailand's global reputation as a must-visit destination requires overcoming these current challenges. Without meaningful change, tourists will continue to explore alternative adventures offered by Thailand's neighbouring countries, which are fast becoming the new darlings of Southeast Asian tourism.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-04-30

 

 

[Yagoda]

Im a Bangkok guy. My biatch is the air sucks during prime season.

[3NUMBAS]

Bar girls tattoos caused a slump in bookings

[ozz1]

If they lower the baht it would make a huge difference but there's too many elites liking it high so they can invest overseas  Vietnam is the new in place to travel and it's exchange rate is better for most westerners

[Harrisfan]

When were flights $ 300?

[Harrisfan]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Additionally, the reduction of tourist visa duration from 60 to 30 days

Visa exemption is still 60 days isnt it?

[Magictoad]

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand, once a beacon for budget-conscious travellers worldwide, is increasingly facing criticism from international tourists over escalating costs and shifting experiences. Historically renowned for its picturesque beaches, lively cities, and affordability, the kingdom is now being reevaluated by tourists disenchanted with what it currently offers.

 

Cost Concerns: Value for Money Diminishing

 

In recent weeks, a surge of online complaints—evident through nearly 2,000 comments on a Bangkok Post Learning social media post—has echoed the sentiment that Thailand is no longer the cost-effective destination it once was. Travellers have noted exorbitant increases in accommodation prices, especially in popular tourist enclaves such as Koh Samui and Pattaya. For instance, visitors report that hotel rates have tripled, with dining expenses for a simple meal skyrocketing to unprecedented levels.

 

While global inflation plays a role, many argue that Thailand's price hikes outpace standard inflation, describing the increases as "pure greed." Tourists who previously paid $300 for a flight to Thailand now face fares nearing $1,000, a substantial deterrent for those attracted to Thailand’s erstwhile affordability.

 

Bureaucracy Blues: Navigating a Maze of Regulations

 

Another major grievance is the increasingly cumbersome visa and immigration processes. The mandatory TDAC system, requiring prior online registration, has proven especially vexing for older, less tech-savvy travellers. Additionally, the reduction of tourist visa duration from 60 to 30 days has displeased long-stay visitors, further complicating travel plans for those seeking extended stays.

 

Cannabis Concerns: A New Identity Taking Shape

 

Thailand's liberalisation of cannabis laws, once heralded as progressive, has led to an unexpected identity crisis. Many visitors express their discomfort with the widespread aroma of cannabis, particularly those travelling with children. The pervasive smell is seen as detracting from Thailand's family-friendly appeal and drawing tourists more interested in partaking in cannabis than enjoying traditional attractions.

 

Two-Tier Pricing: Fueling Frustrations

 

Adding to the grievances is the clear disparity in pricing between locals and foreigners. Tourists recount paying significantly higher entry fees for attractions compared to Thai nationals, a system they deem discriminatory. This pricing strategy is prevalent across many services, including restaurant menus and transport costs, leaving a sour taste for many.

 

Alternative Destinations: Neighbours Offering Better Experiences

 

Disillusionment with Thailand's current trajectory is pushing tourists to explore neighbouring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines, which are increasingly perceived as providing better value and experiences. These countries boast growing infrastructures, welcoming atmospheres, and lower prices on comparable travel offerings.

 

 

 

"I spent three months in Vietnam compared to just one month in Pattaya," recounts one traveller, highlighting the shifting preferences. Tourists are finding that destinations such as Boracay in the Philippines or Bali in Indonesia offer stunning natural beauty at a fraction of the cost seen in Thailand.

 

Quality Matters: Scrutiny Over Infrastructure and Cleanliness

 

Concerns extend beyond costs and cannabis. Travellers have highlighted issues with Thailand’s tourist infrastructure, particularly the cleanliness of its beaches and the state of public facilities. The pollution in urban areas and the neglected conditions of pavements further erode Thailand's appeal.

 

Overcrowding in tourist hotspots—an issue exacerbated by aggressive tourism campaigns—has also diminished the serene beauty once synonymous with destinations like Phuket and Hua Hin. Additionally, recent events, such as the earthquake and building collapse at Chatuchak market, have raised safety concerns, leaving some wary of staying in high-rise accommodations.

 

Future Directions: Thailand's Path Ahead

 

While current trends point towards dissatisfaction, some locals see this as a chance for reassessment. Reduced tourist numbers could provide an opportunity to rehabilitate the environment and improve the country's infrastructure, focusing on attracting tourists who offer more than fleeting visits and superficial spending.

 

Several tourists express enduring fondness for Thailand, but caution that without significant reforms, the country risks losing market share to competitive neighbours. Future efforts should prioritise restoring cost-effectiveness, simplifying travel processes, and addressing infrastructural shortcomings.

 

In conclusion, maintaining Thailand's global reputation as a must-visit destination requires overcoming these current challenges. Without meaningful change, tourists will continue to explore alternative adventures offered by Thailand's neighbouring countries, which are fast becoming the new darlings of Southeast Asian tourism.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-04-30

 

 

It sounds like Americans whining & whinging to me!  When you read through the list it's like some out of a BLM or feminist meeting. Disparity in pricing!! Give me a break. Can some explain about THE DISPARITY IN WAGES.

Cannabis concerns. Pathetic  Just shut your window. As for children. Then don't bring them here- take them to Disney Land.

Neighbours offer betters experiences? NO THEY DONT.

Quality Matters: Scrutiny Over Infrastructure and Cleanliness

This is a third word country and people get reminded of it sometimes. 

Cost Concerns: Value for Money Diminishing

This might be an issue in some cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya but it's still VERY CHEAP in Issan and the North East.

I wouldn't go to a tourist dump like Chaing Mai.

So yes Thailand is still worth visiting.

[Harrisfan]

7 minutes ago, Magictoad said:

It sounds like Americans whining & whinging to me!  When you read through the list it's like some out of a BLM or feminist meeting. Disparity in pricing!! Give me a break. Can some explain about THE DISPARITY IN WAGES.

Cannabis concerns. Pathetic  Just shut your window. As for children. Then don't bring them here- take them to Disney Land.

Neighbours offer betters experiences? NO THEY DONT.

Quality Matters: Scrutiny Over Infrastructure and Cleanliness

This is a third word country and people get reminded of it sometimes. 

Cost Concerns: Value for Money Diminishing

This might be an issue in some cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya but it's still VERY CHEAP in Issan and the North East.

I wouldn't go to a tourist dump like Chaing Mai.

So yes Thailand is still worth visiting.

CM is great.

[Cameroni]

I don't get this price moaning either. You can get leg of pork with rice for 60 baht, pad thai for 50 baht. Massages are so cheap. What more do people want?

 

It's definitely a thousand times cheaper than in their home countries.

 

And yes, CM is great. Spot on.

[Harrisfan]

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

I don't get this price moaning either. You can get leg of pork with rice for 60 baht, pad thai for 50 baht. Massages are so cheap. What more do people want?

 

It's definitely a thousand times cheaper than in their home countries.

 

And yes, CM is great. Spot on.

Well yes. 120 baht hour massage in CM. 60 baht meals. Cheap rooms. Flight prices go up and down.

 

Koh Samui is full of tourists and some tourists are dumb. They dont know how to find cheap prices.

 

 

[connda]

"Thailand, once a beacon for budget-conscious travellers worldwide, is increasingly facing criticism from international tourists over escalating costs and shifting experiences. Historically renowned for its picturesque beaches, lively cities, and affordability, the kingdom is now being reevaluated by tourists disenchanted with what it currently offers."

Shifting Experiences - Thailand is like a manic-depressive who stopped taking their Lithium prescription.  You never know if you're going to wake up to Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde. 

Typical Daily Headline:
Foreigner tourists shock Thais.............
Thais outraged over farang...............
(Enter nationality here) jailed for touching (Enter sea creature here that are usually eaten by Thais and that can be found in a wet market)
(Enter nationality here) disrespects sacred Thai (Enter name of object here)
Unruly British Tourists (whatever they did goes here) unless its "Scouse" then we all know who it is and what they did.
(Enter nationality here) arrested for (Enter heinous crime here which is only a heinous crime for non-Thais)
Drunk farang beat half to death by (Enter number of Thais - must be over 5 to be believable)
Thai Police are looking for (Enter skin color here) tourist who (Enter something that Thais do daily and nobody cares)
Drunk (Enter nationality here) is beaten, stabbed, and hospitalized for failure to pay bill.  [Q: Why don't the owners call the police?  A: It's more fun to beat, stab, and hospitalize farang instead of calling the police.  It must be - it happens pretty much every day.  Tourist bashing! Why leave the fun to the police?]
Thai authorities crack down on tourists because (pull something out of your ***-cheeks)


Now?  More tourists to SE Asia are waking up to...
GOOD MORNING VIETNAM!!!
So now Thailand cares!  😟
Don't forget your Lithium Thailand.  

[connda]

39 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

I don't get this price moaning either. You can get leg of pork with rice for 60 baht, pad thai for 50 baht.

 

And if you venture outside of the tourist enclaves, you can get those items for 1/2 the price again.

[soi3eddie]

Determined to slaughter the golden goose. How far can Thailand push tourists to pay more? Personally, I dislike Samui and Phuket for crowds and prices. Making travel more difficult with TDAC and ETA and arrival fees will not help. Thailand has overdeveloped the tourist industry and a lot of charm has been lost and rip-offs are the norm. There are still lots of nice places to visit, where Thais go, and where prices are better value and with less crowds. 

 

[jas007]

Personally, I don't see a problem.  If some things cost a bit more, so what?  Welcome to 2025.  It's a worldwide phenomena. It's called inflation, and it's not going away anytime soon.  

 

Normally, I try to eat healthy, but today, I treated myself to a pizza, delivered.  A little over 300 baht.  What would it cost in the USA?  $40? 

 

I think I got a deal here in Thailand.  Ditto for rent, utilities, and just about everything else I buy.

[impulse]

44 minutes ago, jas007 said:

Normally, I try to eat healthy, but today, I treated myself to a pizza, delivered.  A little over 300 baht.  What would it cost in the USA?  $40?

  

There's something morally wrong about including packets of ketchup in a pizza delivery.

 

[Harrisfan]

1 hour ago, connda said:

And if you venture outside of the tourist enclaves, you can get those items for 1/2 the price again.

Pork n rice for 30 baht?

[jas007]

11 minutes ago, impulse said:

  

There's something morally wrong about including packets of ketchup in a pizza delivery.

 

Every time I get that, and every time it gets thrown into the trash, along with a packet of some liquid spice they send.  A real waste.  Who puts ketchup on a pizza? 

[persimmon]

It`s just supply and demand . Places like Patts have seen a huge inflow of people from India and China . Hotels and restaurants charge what they can . Get out of the tourist ghettos and prices are half - 400 not 800 / night for a room , 50 not 150 for food .

Agree on air fares though - pre covid I paid c. £ 600 LHR - BKK . Last year it was £ 1100 .

[ikke1959]

The story is right.. Only read the stories about the netizens how they complain about foreigners, the no available infrastructure as public toilets, and safety travel options.. the double pricing, the paperwork for visa and extensions, 90 days and address notifications and name it. The justice that several times ruled only in favor of the netizens with a reason as a farang has more money so he can pay more, the unfriendly immigration at the airport, the alcohol sales and buying hours, the expensive THB and many many more. People will say oh it is only a bit but the toal package makes Thailand an unwelcoming destination, supported by the government with Anutin who declared several times already that he don't like the foreigners.. And reading here on Aseannow, we can read many times, that the netizens rather want to get rid of us, as they see us as a thread to destroy the Thai culture....Sadly enough they don't see what they are doing wrong and that other Asean countries are happy to welcome the tourists now  

[Cameroni]

8 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

The story is right.. Only read the stories about the netizens how they complain about foreigners, the no available infrastructure as public toilets, and safety travel options.. the double pricing, the paperwork for visa and extensions, 90 days and address notifications and name it. The justice that several times ruled only in favor of the netizens with a reason as a farang has more money so he can pay more, the unfriendly immigration at the airport, the alcohol sales and buying hours, the expensive THB and many many more. People will say oh it is only a bit but the toal package makes Thailand an unwelcoming destination, supported by the government with Anutin who declared several times already that he don't like the foreigners.. And reading here on Aseannow, we can read many times, that the netizens rather want to get rid of us, as they see us as a thread to destroy the Thai culture....Sadly enough they don't see what they are doing wrong and that other Asean countries are happy to welcome the tourists now  

 

It sounds like mostly hot air to me. Thailand has superb toilet infrastructure in the malls, better than Malaysia even, visas are reasonably easy for most people. Double pricing only applies in some attractions, and it's fair enough as Thais do make a lot less..Overall Thais are very welcoming and friendly to most foreigners.

 

Yes Anutin doesn't like foreigners, and many Thais don't either, but plenty of Thais understand that foreigners is where the money is and treat them very well.

[Chris Daley]

Little bag of 12 cold stale french fries for 60 baht.  Yummy.  Half filled cup of coffee for 120 baht to wash it down with.

[Patong2021]

Thailand is making a massive mistake if it  cuts the tourist visa from 60 to 30 days. They won't stop being a nuisance if the  tourist visa period is reduced anyway.  Thailand has a problem with certain nationalities and it refuses to deal with that. Instead it will hurt the  honest  long stay  class of visitors.

 

The cannabis concerns are reasonable.  It is  pathetic that some  foreigners walk around puffing on their  blunts.  I was  having dinner with friends at the  Tapas restaurant near the Hilton. across the soi from a  cannabis shop. We couldn't eat our dinner in peace because of the  thick cloud of skunk stink that kept drifting in.  There should have been zoning, restricting the cannabis shops to certain areas. 

 

And yes the value proposition has disappeared from many of the  larger hospitality brands. One group epitomizes the  cheapening of the eating options. This entity has its hand  in everything from "steak" to  coffee shops, to  fast food and every operation  offers awful  quality overly processed "food". I  recently stayed at an alleged 4* hotel at BKK  and the room was in terrible shape. Furniture was worn out, the mattress finished, and I  paid 6500 baht.  The big brand hotel chains have all  increased their prices, but  the services have been scaled back.  The big brand hotels have been moving to  checkin times of  3 or 4 pm and checkouts of 11 AM.   It's ridiculous.

 

Yes, there is still some good value to be found, but short stay tourists don't want the hassle of having to  search for the value.  Nor should they have to travel to  the armpit of Thailand to find peace and quiet.  They want clean air, clean beaches  and an accessible  opportunity to relax.

 

[geisha]

It was the long empty beaches that attracted the tourists, the nice hotels and the kind and friendly people.

The beaches are now dirty and crowded, the nice hotels are now 7000 baht plus a night, and the Thais are fed up with it all. That smile has gone.

For me , the worse problem is the traffic jams , whether it be Phuket , Pattaya or Bangkok, and the filthy air that we are forced to breathe.

[spidermike007]

A lot of truth in that article. For many of us who live in Thailand we enjoy a very good life and a high quality of life for the limited income that we have, but for tourists it's a completely different thing, and there's no question that Thailand is not the country that it used to be.

 

The government has had ample opportunity to fix many of the problems but their apathy and their lack of Interest is a rather astonishing and very sad thing to witness.

 

I'm hoping that tourism continues to drop because that will dramatically increase the quality of the experience for the tourists who remain. 

[Dan747]

 

11 minutes ago, geisha said:

It was the long empty beaches that attracted the tourists, the nice hotels and the kind and friendly people.

The beaches are now dirty and crowded, the nice hotels are now 7000 baht plus a night, and the Thais are fed up with it all. That smile has gone.

For me , the worse problem is the traffic jams , whether it be Phuket , Pattaya or Bangkok, and the filthy air that we are forced to breathe.

 Agree, for me I like to travel in and out of Ubon on a Non-O visa multi-Entry (Canceled) that now is 90 days for $120 USD and I believe Tourism Authority of Thailand ruined for the extra $$$$$ as they look for other reasons to feed their Tourism that they keep changing. Also, we long term Expat's have no way to actually complain and seeing some corrections to our complaints. It all smoke and mirrors in the news media that never gets done!! "GOOD LUCK and Happy Travels."

[freedomnow]

6 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

When were flights $ 300?

1997.

[freedomnow]

Is it 30 days visa-exempt again ?

So stupid that they equate tourist behaviour with length of stay.

[blaze master]

2 hours ago, geisha said:

It was the long empty beaches that attracted the tourists, the nice hotels and the kind and friendly people.

The beaches are now dirty and crowded, the nice hotels are now 7000 baht plus a night, and the Thais are fed up with it all. That smile has gone.

For me , the worse problem is the traffic jams , whether it be Phuket , Pattaya or Bangkok, and the filthy air that we are forced to breathe.

 

The Thai did this to themselves. They were only able to maintain the smile before because it wasn't so many people coming.  So most couldn't see that they were being played with a smile. The scams and schemes have always been there. 

 

Forced to breathe filthy air ? No one forces anyone to come to thailand....they already know pollution is a huge issue and still they come. 

 

[bokningar]

8 hours ago, Cameroni said:

I don't get this price moaning either. You can get leg of pork with rice for 60 baht, pad thai for 50 baht. Massages are so cheap. What more do people want?

 

It's definitely a thousand times cheaper than in their home countries.

 

And yes, CM is great. Spot on.

Think your math is a bit of.

1000 times would price that Pad thai 50 000 thb in Us or Europe. 50 000 thb is around 1645 US$.

Stop posting pure BS

[ikke1959]

7 hours ago, Cameroni said:

 

It sounds like mostly hot air to me. Thailand has superb toilet infrastructure in the malls, better than Malaysia even, visas are reasonably easy for most people. Double pricing only applies in some attractions, and it's fair enough as Thais do make a lot less..Overall Thais are very welcoming and friendly to most foreigners.

 

Yes Anutin doesn't like foreigners, and many Thais don't either, but plenty of Thais understand that foreigners is where the money is and treat them very well.

Yeah you are right... but where to go when the shopping malls are closed?? double pricing everywhere.. and not a bit more than for Thais but 5 to 10 times higher..( example entrance fees national parks.. ) Surely when you live in a  touristic place is worse than somewhere in the countryside, but it is still a trend that Thailand only looks for the money as you wrote too.. Thais make less money than foreigners... but that is not totally correct. Foreigners mostly have a normal income which is enough in their country, but because of tghe cheaper prices here they can buy more and they seem to be more wealthy.. examples buy a package of cigarettes in Europe and here.. or go out for lunch compared to here.. But Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, are cheap too, and more welcoming than Thailand