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

[Kaopad999]

All scaremongering tactics - 
Inflation has barely hit Thailand like it has in most western counries!
Sure, Fuel prices have risen by 7 THB. Food prices have gone up a litle with alcohol prices , but other than that, eveyhting else like rent, internet, phone packages,  and transportation costs have remained  pretty  much the same for for the past 5 plus years. 

The issue i see  is that Thai people live WAYYYY  above their means. They splurge on things that they can't actually afford and take bank loans out for band new cars, when they cou;d just buy a good used car,  buy the latest Iphones, and other gadgets, while thyre on a 15,000 THB per month salary ... This is a social  issue of saving safe and having to look like you have money to impress others around you.

 

[Andrew65]

14 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.

In the UK (Bromsgrove) I can go out drinking more cheaply than in the downtown/touristy parts of Bangkok, where I lived for 20 years. My rent in the UK is similar.
 

[biggles45]

We went away for 4 months. This is the block next door when we returned, central Pattaya near big c extra. It was clear when we left. Thais love to dump their rubbish! 

 

[shackleton]

The days of the back packer in Thailand are over 

Thailand is looking for a high quality tourist spending money staying in luxury accommodation ect 

Mind you saying that the quality of tourists causing problems in the news lately

I think not Pattaya and Phuket to name a couple involving  drugs  cannibals alcohol  could go on ruining the proud reputation of high quality Tourism in Thailand 😱

[StevieAus]

12 hours 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  

In the15 years I have lived in Thailand I haven’t experienced anyone  trying to get rid of me, on the contrary friendly and welcoming as long as you treat people the same.

Never had problems with the Immigration at the airport always found them helpful, particularly as I have a minor disability, try visiting some other airports around the world.

As far as 90 day reporting it takes about 15 minutes per year out of my life, I can handle that.

Not sure about the problem with alcohol I don’t feel the need to buy everyday and the existing hours are adequate for the majority.

Finally I cannot think of too many countries around the world where a fifty year old can arrive visa free and as long as you have 800,000 baht in the bank literally stay forever.

[loong]

15 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

When were flights $ 300?

Always have been. I am guessing that is not true from your home country though.

[BritManToo]

15 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

When were flights $ 300?

2009, my first trip to Thailand, didn't even think of coming.

Felt like a holiday, went to my local travel agent in Cornwall.

Said I wanted to go somewhere long haul and inexpensive.

Thailand, 240 pounds return from Heathrow to Bangkok, no VISA required.

 

Three days later on the plane, had no idea about Thailand, no plans, no accomodation.

Got off the plane late night, hung around a bit dazed, a bunch of backpackers noticed me.

Q: Where you going mate?

A: Haven't a clue!

Follow us then we're off to Kosan road.

 

So I followed them down to the basement on a bus, $1.50 fare and the bus dropped us off on a big main road. Followed then through narrow dark alleys thad there we were.

 

Kosan road, never heard of it before, they were off to some nasty dorm rooms, I wandered around looking for a hotel with a pool.

[Krabi King]

Thailand is loosing it's traditional charm. Attractions are "manufactured". Development means McDonald's, Starbucks, more 7-Elevens. Unlimited visitors to islands and national parks. Lack of planning and the wrong idea about what proper tourists would come for.

One thing I always wondered for example is why beach front roads in Thailand always have to be the busiest and most congested. Traffic free areas at the beach front with quality shops, restaurants etc and walking zones only would be so much more appealing. Lead the main traffic another way.

But we all know that Thailand does things its own way, without much thought for alternatives. Some major improvements could be made quite easily, but unfortunately things move slowly.

[Aussie999]

16 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

Visa exemption is still 60 days isnt it?

Yes

[Cabradelmar]

Good. Don't come. Mass tourism sucks. Go wherever it is you think is better. The only legit complaint is higher prices, really. But that's happening everywhere (to one degree or another). And if you can't figure out entry requirements (visas, VOA, VER) and entry forms (TDAC), maybe you shouldn't travel. Everything else in this article is just the same recycled blather... Duel pricing, cleanliness (which Thailand never was nor will be), infrastructure (which has always been substandard by western stds.), and fear of cannabis (which is just boomers and their reefer madness nonsense).

[kaneko86]

15 hours ago, connda said:

"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.  

Very spot on! I think the news reasoning and also the changed attitude of the Thais towards us because of the daily stupid news has a lot to do why tourists decide not to visit Thailand anymore... 

[Cameroni]

1 hour ago, Andrew65 said:

In the UK (Bromsgrove) I can go out drinking more cheaply than in the downtown/touristy parts of Bangkok, where I lived for 20 years. My rent in the UK is similar.
 

 

Well, everyone knows Bangkok is among the most expensive when it comes to accomodation. Phuket is also expensive. I was talking about Chiang Mai, the best place to live in Thailand.

 

Having said that you can still get a great dinner for 60 baht in Bangkok, which you can't get in Bromsgrove. You can get a great massage for less than half than what you'd pay in Bromsgtrove.

 

i don't drink as I don't want a beer belly, so I can't opine on alcohol prices.

 

Even if your rent is the same in Bangkok, I'm sure you'd get a swimmin pool, gym and a much better place in Thailand for the same money. You get more for your money in Thailand.

[Ricky HKT]

Simply said "money goes to value."

[Aussie999]

56 minutes ago, biggles45 said:

We went away for 4 months. This is the block next door when we returned, central Pattaya near big c extra. It was clear when we left. Thais love to dump their rubbish! 

 

On another forum... Ok tik tok, Thais were complaining about tourists littering, I pointed out Thais were far worse, well, you should have seen all the hate/aggressive comments I received from Thais.

[BritManToo]

7 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

Well, everyone knows Bangkok is among the most expensive when it comes to accomodation. Phuket is also expensive. I was talking about Chiang Mai, the best place to live in Thailand.

 

Having said that you can still get a great dinner for 60 baht in Bangkok, which you can't get in Bromsgrove. You can get a great massage for less than half than what you'd pay in Bromsgtrove.

 

i don't drink as I don't want a beer belly, so I can't opine on alcohol prices.

 

Even if your rent is the same in Bangkok, I'm sure you'd get a swimmin pool, gym and a much better place in Thailand for the same money. You get more for your money in Thailand.

Evening out in Chiang Mai,

Moose cider at rooftop Jungle bar 100bht

La Casita, Spicy pork taco, chicken taco, chips and dip with a coke 200bht (inc tip).

Small Leo in the Moat house rooftop bar 85bht with live music.

 

Hardly expensive!

[Harrisfan]

44 minutes ago, Krabi King said:

Thailand is loosing it's traditional charm. Attractions are "manufactured". Development means McDonald's, Starbucks, more 7-Elevens. Unlimited visitors to islands and national parks. Lack of planning and the wrong idea about what proper tourists would come for.

One thing I always wondered for example is why beach front roads in Thailand always have to be the busiest and most congested. Traffic free areas at the beach front with quality shops, restaurants etc and walking zones only would be so much more appealing. Lead the main traffic another way.

But we all know that Thailand does things its own way, without much thought for alternatives. Some major improvements could be made quite easily, but unfortunately things move slowly.

Ao Nang is ruined.

[Andrew65]

2 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

Well, everyone knows Bangkok is among the most expensive when it comes to accomodation. Phuket is also expensive. I was talking about Chiang Mai, the best place to live in Thailand.

 

Having said that you can still get a great dinner for 60 baht in Bangkok, which you can't get in Bromsgrove. You can get a great massage for less than half than what you'd pay in Bromsgtrove.

 

i don't drink as I don't want a beer belly, so I can't opine on alcohol prices.

 

Even if your rent is the same in Bangkok, I'm sure you'd get a swimmin pool, gym and a much better place in Thailand for the same money. You get more for your money in Thailand.

The place that I lived in in Bangkok had no gym or swimming pool. (I don't use thise things anyway).

What we have to remember is that this article is about tourists, and tourists tend to dwell in touristy (pricier) places.

 

Conincidentally, I just saw an advert for a 500ml tub of ice cream selling for 150 Baht in Thailand, it's £1.50 for the same thing in the UK (imported Swedish ice cream).

Another thing being is that this year is the 40th anniversary of my first trip to Thailand. In 1985 it seemed sooooo cheap compared to the UK, in my perception, it just doesn't feel that way any more. Some old friends moved to Cambodia years ago for this very reason.

[Andrew65]

4 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

On another forum... Ok tik tok, Thais were complaining about tourists littering, I pointed out Thais were far worse, well, you should have seen all the hate/aggressive comments I received from Thais.

I would often be walking into 7/11 to buy my ciggies (I could actually afford to smoke in Thailand!😊). Often I would see Thais walking out of there, unwrapping whatever it was they had bought and dropping the wrapping on the ground.

I was conditioned by the fact that I was paranoid about the fag-end Police (AKA the tourist Police).

[Harrisfan]

55 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

2009, my first trip to Thailand, didn't even think of coming.

Felt like a holiday, went to my local travel agent in Cornwall.

Said I wanted to go somewhere long haul and inexpensive.

Thailand, 240 pounds return from Heathrow to Bangkok, no VISA required.

 

Three days later on the plane, had no idea about Thailand, no plans, no accomodation.

Got off the plane late night, hung around a bit dazed, a bunch of backpackers noticed me.

Q: Where you going mate?

A: Haven't a clue!

Follow us then we're off to Kosan road.

 

So I followed them down to the basement on a bus, $1.50 fare and the bus dropped us off on a big main road. Followed then through narrow dark alleys thad there we were.

 

Kosan road, never heard of it before, they were off to some nasty dorm rooms, I wandered around looking for a hotel with a pool.

Intersting

 I stayed in Pratunam 1st time. Taxi driver was crazy. Thought i would die.

[Cameroni]

2 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

The place that I lived in in Bangkok had no gym or swimming pool. (I don't use thise things anyway).

What we have to remember is that this article is about tourists, and tourists tend to dwell in touristy (pricier) places.

 

Conincidentally, I just saw an advert for a 500ml tub of ice cream selling for 150 Baht in Thailand, it's £1.50 for the same thing in the UK (imported Swedish ice cream).

Another thing being is that this year is the 40th anniversary of my first trip to Thailand. In 1985 it seemed sooooo cheap compared to the UK, in my perception, it just doesn't feel that way any more. Some old friends moved to Cambodia years ago for this very reason.

 

You can get apartments with swimming pool in Bangkok for 8000 Baht. That would be impossible in England.

 

https://www.renthub.in.th/en/apartment/with-swimming-pool/bangkok

 

You'll always have examples like this, special offers of a particular item, but you're not comparing like with like, importing from Sweden to England is obviously far cheaper than from Sweden to Thailand. Imported food is obviously more expensive in Thailand. However, the basics, vegetables, fruit, water, meat, rice, all way cheaper.

 

I'm sure it was cheaper 40 years ago, that's only to be expected. However, there is no way in hell that Thailand is more expensive than the UK overall. It's just not accurate.

 

But I do take the point that tourists that stay in resorts and go to beach front restaurants will pay more, that is true of course.

[Harrisfan]

3 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

I would often be walking into 7/11 to buy my ciggies (I could actually afford to smoke in Thailand!😊). Often I would see Thais walking out of there, unwrapping whatever it was they had bought and dropping the wrapping on the ground.

I was conditioned by the fact that I was paranoid about the fag-end Police (AKA the tourist Police).

Tourist police smoke fags?

[smew]

Noise, in our neighborhood when tourists rent houses, insane motorcycle noise, no mufflers children riders all times of day night early mornings. 
neighborhood complained to police and nothing done, complained again, police demanded overtime payment 5k per week

[Andrew65]

6 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

 

You can get apartments with swimming pool in Bangkok for 8000 Baht. That would be impossible in England.

 

https://www.renthub.in.th/en/apartment/with-swimming-pool/bangkok

 

You'll always have examples like this, special offers of a particular item, but you're not comparing like with like, importing from Sweden to England is obviously far cheaper than from Sweden to Thailand. Imported food is obviously more expensive in Thailand. However, the basics, vegetables, fruit, water, meat, rice, all way cheaper.

 

I'm sure it was cheaper 40 years ago, that's only to be expected. However, there is no way in hell that Thailand is more expensive than the UK overall. It's just not accurate.

 

But I do take the point that tourists that stay in resorts and go to beach front restaurants will pay more, that is true of course.

I wasn't saying that Thailand is more expensive, or as expensive as the UK, just that it's my perception that it's not as comparably cheaper than the UK as it used to be. It's no longer the cheap & cheerful destination that it used to be.

[Andrew65]

9 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

Tourist police smoke fags?

Their main function seemed to be catching tourists dropping cigarette ends, and then fining them for it (I expect that some of them were also smokers😊). They use to have a table set up on the sidewalk in a strategic position on lower Sukhumvit as like an observation point.

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, StevieAus said:

In the15 years I have lived in Thailand I haven’t experienced anyone  trying to get rid of me, on the contrary friendly and welcoming as long as you treat people the same.

Never had problems with the Immigration at the airport always found them helpful, particularly as I have a minor disability, try visiting some other airports around the world.

As far as 90 day reporting it takes about 15 minutes per year out of my life, I can handle that.

Not sure about the problem with alcohol I don’t feel the need to buy everyday and the existing hours are adequate for the majority.

Finally I cannot think of too many countries around the world where a fifty year old can arrive visa free and as long as you have 800,000 baht in the bank literally stay forever.

I think you misunderstand me... I don't talk about myself I just talk in general.. We went to Malaysia for holiday and the immigration officer was very smiling and welcoming that I did not know what I had to say in fact.. Here in Thailand they just check your passport take a pic and hardly say anything to you. For me 90 days is no problem but i  general what is the purpose of doing it?? With a re entry you come back to your house and have to do the 90 day report and address notification.. Why must we start again with the Tdac or former TM 7 card?? I come already 20 years at the immigration office, never smiling, for my 90 days, although i brought several times a box of cookies or cake for them, unfortunatelly it is not allowed anymore and with the grumpy officers I am happy too. And for alcohol I don't have that problem too.. But in general if I go on holiday and I want a beer at 15.00 I can buy it..And here even this website I am often told that it should be better if I leave the country... I don't care that they say it to me, but my opinion is just always general nothing personal, and I think for  the better of the country and the people. In my neighbourhood no problems with me always friendly and helpful and I can imagine that in tourists places there are more problems than in the rural area where I live.. But still Thailand have to improve several things and not hold to the conservatism that is now even getting worse, with the idea that all foreigners are unreliable untill proven different. That will bring down the tourist sector, and with less income the people get grumpier and will attrack less customers, and so on... and it goes down. Read how many times there are headlines in the news about what foreigners did wrong or a crackdown, while Thai people are in the majority and do the same and even more, but that is kept out of the news.. Just as 2 weeks a go a group is set up for foreigners with mental health problems.. and than read the news.. why not set up group for Thai with mental health as there many more who need that.. simple example.. the sound pollution all over the country in temples, parties, concerts or shopping malls... Noise is used as torture sometimes, but here is no escape of it...I don't care but just in general, when I speak with the locals here about the past week, there was a 3 day concert at a shopping mall, than 2 days no noise and than 3 days party for monk ordination from Samut Songkram in a temple 1 km away.. People complain, but nobody dare to take action and the police doesn't do anything..But if I would do it believe me it would be a headline.... and for xenophobia read the post of Cabradelmar on this page

[Cameroni]

6 minutes ago, Andrew65 said:

just that it's my perception that it's not as comparably cheaper than the UK as it used to be. It's no longer the cheap & cheerful destination that it used to be.

 

Oh that's for sure, prices have increased in the last 40 years, whereas people  in countries like the UK, Germany, France are all hit with massive energy prices due to political decisions, soaring inflation, job losses, so going to MacDonalds and shopping at Ikea are now luxuries in those countries. I remember when those were markers of low income.

 

However, tourists  who go on holiday should be able to afford their holiday. I don't particularly like people who haggle with a market vendor in Chatuchak over 50 baht. If you go on holiday, make sure you have the budget and can afford it. If you can't stay at home.

[trainman34014]

Just ten years or so back we were told that Tourism wasn't all that important to Thailand as Exports and so on were where the real money was.   Subsequently no real safety improvements have happened and the Scammers (including the Government Agencies) have continued in the same old way.     Immigration Processes have got worse as time has passed when they should have been relaxed, or flip-flops have been the order of any given period of time.

 

Until the Dinosaurs running the Country are removed once and for all and a a younger and more progressive Leadership is installed nothing much will change for the better.

 

Looking to the Future; seems to me that probably within the next 25 years China will come and take over the Country and that will mean very Radical change.  Corrupt Politicians, Army 'Generals' and high ranking Police and other Government Oficials will all be Executed (if the don't run away fast enough ), the Education System will be torn down and a new order bringing genuine Education for the masses will be installed.  Many other 'Improvements' will be made and within ten years or so Thailand will be unrecognisable from what it once was !

[Dogbarker]

17 hours ago, Harrisfan said:

When were flights $ 300?

Maybe they are talking about Indian or Chinese rather than US or European tourists?

[thesetat]

16 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.

I would guess that most tourists are not complaining the price or pork or massages. So your comment makes no sense. Most of the article is spot on when going to a tourist city like Phuket or Pattaya or even Bangkok. 

[BarraMarra]

16 hours 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.

What is there to do issan ? Is there a beach ? What does Issan offer ?