Tourism Thailand Vows to End Dual Pricing Amid Growing Tourist Backlash

[UWEB]

Soon they will start to collect the 300 THB Thailand Entrance Fee via TDAC from every foreign Person arrives in Thailand. That is much more in total so they can easily drop the dual Pricing System now.

[MartinL]

2 hours ago, Chongalulu said:

The essential point that goes over your head is Thai dual pricing is based on RACE, nothing else. If you look Thai you’ll get the reduced price. I’m a long term resident near a national park and get no discount, but a Thai visitor from the other end of the country does. Look again at your examples- "Residents" not white Americans. Got it now…? 

Never mind a Thai visitor from the other end of the country, how about a Thai national who lives permanently overseas and only visits for a few weeks every couple of years? Reduced rate for Thai? No problem.

[richard_smith237]

36 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What's unhinged, is you interfering.

 

I never started this conversation.

 

You rudely intervened. 

 

Keep your unhinged thoughts in your own little mind. 

 

You know that you can keep scrolling. 

 

You don't have to pester people, you're always looking for an argument. 

 

It’s interesting how you can attack another poster, but then suddenly get defensive when someone calls out your vapid toxicity. And to top it off, you have the audacity to tell others what they can and can’t comment on.

 

You forget that this is a public forum, and everyone has the right to voice their opinion - yet you think you can insult someone and expect private dialogue in public...  you're delusional !!! 

 

At least it seems you’ve managed to learn the word ‘unhinged’ – well done on the self-improvement.

[KhaoHom]

Ssssh no one tell them about the additional assessments tacked onto tourist arrivals. Japan thinks it a great idea too. 

 

I expect far more class outta Japan. Thailand pfft..

 

They'll NEVER get the Andaman marine parks not to charge foreign fees. Ever.

 

What about HOSPITALS?!!

[KhaoHom]

7 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Soon they will start to collect the 300 THB Thailand Entrance Fee via TDAC from every foreign Person arrives in Thailand. That is much more in total so they can easily drop the dual Pricing System now.

 

I think the total tax on arrival is pushing 2k now

[richard_smith237]

5 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Soon they will start to collect the 300 THB Thailand Entrance Fee via TDAC from every foreign Person arrives in Thailand. That is much more in total so they can easily drop the dual Pricing System now.

 

Agreed...   I think the tourist surcharge is a good idea...  especially if it contributes to insurance to cover hospital fees for tourists who get injured while here... 

 

And of course, eradicate dual pricing.

 

Thailand income from Tourism at approx US$48 Billion is approximately 70% of the revenue generated by Thai Income Tax (US$ 68 billion) ....    when placed in perspective - Tourists already contribute significantly to the Thai economy - the extra squeeze of dual pricing is clumsy.

 

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

7 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

The greed will be paid back... but it is too late... Other Asian countries are already winning and Thailand have to invest and renew and it will take years to recover the tourist industry

 

 I have news for you ... they also practise dual pricing. 

[cowellandrew]

My local pub in the uk Devon charged different prices to the holiday makers and we also had a slang name for them,

 

2-2 

Dual pricing 

And nasty name

😂😂😂😂☻🚀

[impulse]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Agreed...   I think the tourist surcharge is a good idea...  especially if it contributes to insurance to cover hospital fees for tourists who get injured while here... 

 

I don't think that's the objective.  It's certainly not enough money if it is.  It's not insurance.  They're trying to recoup the costs of those foreigners who can't or won't pay after they've been treated.  Last I heard, it was to the tune of 400 million baht a year.

 

[richard_smith237]

Just now, DonniePeverley said:

I have news for you ... they also practise dual pricing. 

 

When caught for drink driving, speeding.... is your excuse, but others do it too ???

 

Hopefully that highlights the basic flaw in your logic that 'other countries do it do, as some form of justification for something that even Thailands Tourism Minister sees as wrong.... 

 

 

[DonniePeverley]

The usual few on twitter complaining with their campaigns. Pay no tax, contribute very little , have access to foreign wages, foreign pensions, then whinge they can't get things a little cheaper like Thais. 

[KhaoHom]

9 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Dual pricing only effects cheap backpacker type tourists

 

I'm a cheap backpacker type. That's how I also became a cheap retired at 45 in Thailand type.

 

I far and away prefer a backpack as the filthy rollers and being IN the street generally is not the order of the day. I'd say filthy roll bag types. My Thai wife, also used a backpack for years with me and before me. I nag and plead not to take a roll bag.

 

Ever been run over in an airport.. by a person that doesn't give a F? Roll bagger mentality and never an apology.

 

I'm 64 and I'll use a 36L pack until I cannot carry it no more.

 

As for "backpackers" yeah, I rather loathe what I have seen in social media and bump into randomly in BKK. They are what I call placebaggers. They just flit from one stupid trendy area to another OR they blather on about how real, authentic somewhere is when I'd found it dead and finished 30 years ago. Indeed, I did zero travel in Thailand's my first decade in E Asia and used it exclusively for RnR. Islands, fun. On my first visit in 92 visit seemed done and over preferring Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam.

 

On TT they are all running to 711 and posting up about the delicious junk food. Farang don't eat Thai food

[impulse]

1 minute ago, KhaoHom said:

Ever been run over in an airport.. by a person that doesn't give a F? Roll bagger mentality and never an apology.

 

I'm 64 and I'll use a 36L pack until I cannot carry it no more.

 

The older I get, the more of my luggage has wheels. 

 

I've been pushed aside more by people with big backpacks that turn around in tight spaces like the BTS/MRT.  I'm guilty, too sometimes.  I forget I have my laptop backpack on.  Never have that issue with my roller bag.

 

 

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, impulse said:

6 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Agreed...   I think the tourist surcharge is a good idea...  especially if it contributes to insurance to cover hospital fees for tourists who get injured while here... 

 

I don't think that's the objective.  It's certainly not enough money if it is.  It's not insurance.  They're trying to recoup the costs of those foreigners who can't or won't pay after they've been treated.  Last I heard, it was to the tune of 400 million baht a year.

 

 

Which is a drop in the ocean compared to the two following metrics:

 

- Income to Thailand from Medical Tourism (2024): US$ 15.4 billion  

- Income to Thailand from Tourism (2024): US$ 48.45 billion

 

Medical cost burden of tourism is 2.6% of income from Medical Tourism

Medical cost burden of tourism is 0.8% of income from total Tourism

 

 

Reports often complain about the costs while omitting a balanced comparison with income and the overwhelming positives to the economy that tourists bring.

 

 

 

 

[impulse]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

Which is a drop in the ocean compared to the two following metrics:

 

- Income to Thailand from Medical Tourism (2024): US$ 15.4 billion  

- Income to Thailand from Tourism (2024): US$ 48.45 billion

 

Medical cost burden of tourism is 2.6% of income from Medical Tourism

Medical cost burden of tourism is 0.8% of income from total Tourism

 

Reports often complain about the costs while omitting a balanced comparison with income and the overwhelming positives to the economy that tourists bring.

 

Different pockets.  I suspect the medical tourism focused hospitals are doing fine.  But they're not the ones where they haul the injured tourists.

 

[richard_smith237]

8 minutes ago, KhaoHom said:

As for "backpackers" yeah, I rather loathe what I have seen in social media and bump into randomly in BKK. They are what I call placebaggers. They just flit from one stupid trendy area to another OR they blather on about how real, authentic somewhere is when I'd found it dead and finished 30 years ago. Indeed, I did zero travel in Thailand's my first decade in E Asia and used it exclusively for RnR. Islands, fun. On my first visit in 92 visit seemed done and over preferring Myanmar, Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam.

 

On TT they are all running to 711 and posting up about the delicious junk food. Farang don't eat Thai food

 

Having a chip on both shoulders doesn’t exactly scream “balanced opinion,” does it?

 

Full of flaws, sweeping generalisations and stereotypes, you’ve become the very embodiment of the boomer stereotype... quite comical, really. You’re just laying bare your true feelings – you were first, so obviously, no one else could possibly match your greatness... its a bit sad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Different pockets.  I suspect the medical tourism focused hospitals are doing fine.  But they're not the ones where they haul the injured tourists.

 

 

Yeah, I’d agree that there’s a 'distribution' of funds issue and, of course, practical challenges...

 

But let’s not kid ourselves – the complaints about the cost burden of tourism are nothing more than a drop in the ocean compared to the flood of income tourism brings in.

 

As I said earlier – a modest 300 baht arrival tax to cover medical fees in government (not private) hospitals would be a brilliant idea... (practicalities of collecting said amount aside).

 

Or, better still, just forget about it and openly welcome tourists. More tourists means more spending, and that medical cost burden is already being dwarfed by the tourism income projections for next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Felton Jarvis]

Ending dual pricing is not enough. Thailand needs to end the ruinous tariffs on Western goods that cause expats to spend insane amounts of money on food and other goods, raising the cost of living. Not everyone can eat Thai food every day. 

[KhaoHom]

26 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

The older I get, the more of my luggage has wheels. 

 

I've been pushed aside more by people with big backpacks that turn around in tight spaces like the BTS/MRT.  I'm guilty, too sometimes.  I forget I have my laptop backpack on.  Never have that issue with my roller bag.

 

 

 

I agree about the clueless backpackers. Absolutely. Well, that was/is  never me. I've actually asked people to kindly take of their packs in MRT.

 

They are people with backpacks not backpackers. They may be same, but not necessarily.

 

What of those HUGE rollbags, excess luggage and then they get on peak hours! 😭💥

 

Rollbaggers .. the bane of my existence.

 

 

13 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

modest 300 baht arrival tax to cover medical fees in government (not private) hospitals would be a brilliant idea... (practicalities of collecting said amount aside).

 

Then can they 'expect' something? Will there be moaning about care and coverage?

[impulse]

30 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

37 minutes ago, impulse said:

Different pockets.  I suspect the medical tourism focused hospitals are doing fine.  But they're not the ones where they haul the injured tourists.

Yeah, I’d agree that there’s a 'distribution' of funds issue and, of course, practical challenges...

 

My big concern going forward is the tourists who decline travel insurance thinking they're covered for the 300 baht.

 

Personally, an $8 USD tax increase won't break my piggy bank or have me looking for other destinations.  As long as it's easy to pay.

 

Edit:  Getting back on topic, neither does dual pricing.  It's less than $12.  And if they use it to buy porcelain toilets so I don't have to squat over a hole in the floor, it's well worth it.

 

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, impulse said:

My big concern going forward is the tourists who decline travel insurance thinking they're covered for the 300 baht.

 

Personally, an $8 USD tax increase won't break my piggy bank or have me looking for other destinations.  As long as it's easy to pay.

 

Agreed... I think thats always a risk..  Once a policy is put in place, there are those who will try and game the system...

 

That said: with 36 Million Visitors projected - the income from a 300 baht scheme would still be 27x the existing medical cost burden - I don't think that many people have accidents to warrant there being any financial burden concerns. 

 

Another idea floated was that if a visitor can show they have insurance, then they don't need to pay the 300 baht 'entry tax' - but that could add practical complexities.

 

I don't actually think the potentail issues with such systems are impacted by money - but more so the actual practicalities of such a system.

 

The New Digital Arrival Card - could be the prefect 'place' to pay for the entry fee removing potential holdups else where.

 

All of this could be combined with a nationwide ban on dual pricing - which would be a win win IMO.

 

 

 

 

[Funkymover]

10 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

Dual pricing only effects cheap backpacker type tourists and sensitive souls. Thailand in no way should appease cheap backpackers who offer nothing to the economy, but take up valuable space. Not only should they put the prices up for foreigners but ban anyone with a back pack from coming into a national park. Furthermore ban hostels. 

 

The prices for these places are still cheap compared to western standards. 

 

Thailand simply needs to adjust the wording and image of the dual pricing. For example, if you see a price on the wall, but then offers Thais a reduction it may look better than showing two prices on board and you get the dreaded sensitive police brigrade crying dual pricing. 

 

In London you have attractions and places that offer discounts for locals, and those not from the area pay more. I see no moral outrage there. Imagine being a local Thai and seeing lovely national parks destroyed by mass cheap tourists, throwing rubbish everywhere, crowds, and the enviromental damage it does to your locality. Letting them in cheaply offers some compensation. 

 

Aren't the also planning this for the BTS - where by locals in Bangkok may get a set fare of 20 Baht per person, but others will pay full fares. Wording makes it okay. 

or it could be, due to principle,,  one baht, or one hundred baht,, same thing,, its a farang,, lets charge more.. 

[cdemundo]

Meh.

[mrfill]

5 hours ago, Free the 115 said:

https://www.timeout.com/london/news/londoners-can-get-50-percent-off-loads-of-the-citys-biggest-attractions-right-now-042924
 

took me less than a minute to find.. and probably less than the time it took you to type your “request”

Offer expired 19th May 2024

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, DonniePeverley said:

 

 I have news for you ... they also practise dual pricing. 

Of course .... THailand is never doing anything wrong.. but fees for Thai 40 for adults and kids 20 THB and for foreigners 600 and 150 THB is a bit difference....but happily I am stupid enough that I don't understand why tourists will not come

[jwl53]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has committed to tackling notorious dual pricing practices

 

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports has committed to tackling notorious dual pricing practices

Err National parks! Government owned!!

Do it tomorrow you can if your serious but I bet you don't.  Another talking shop soon to be forgotten

[metisdead]

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[newnative]

3 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

Absolute rubbish

Racist is characterized by or showing prejudice, discrimination, that what duel pricing is discrimination, Thailand IS A RACIST country

      Get over it.  As I said, dual pricing is not unique to Thailand.  The state community college where I worked in Virginia has not just dual pricing but triple--one price for in-state students, a bigger price for out-of-state students, and a still bigger price for foreign students.   With your flawed reasoning, Virginia is a RACIST state, although race has absolutely nothing to do with the pricing.   Rather, it's solely based on legal residency, no matter what race you may be. 

    The MRT in Bangkok has a lower price for senior citizens.  Racist?  No.  Not based on race, but age.  I currently have a senior MRT card so it is also not based on nationality--at least for now.  Should that change, it would then be based on nationality and age.  Still not racist.  Examples of dual pricing with senior discounts can be found everywhere, not just Thailand.  Also student discounts and discount prices for children.   Should I blow my stack and cry RACIST! that a child is getting into X for a cheaper admission price than me?    Or, should I say, good, that makes sense.

    Thailand's proposed casinos might charge a steep entrance fee for Thai citizens, while foreign passport holders would get in free.   Racist?   No, dual admission prices based on nationality--in this case being of Thai nationality would cost you much more, rather than less.   Would this dual pricing be fair?  In this case I would say no, but it's Thailand's ball so they make the rules, and I do understand the idea is to keep Thai citizens who can't afford to gamble out of the casinos.  

    Some museums and other attractions give a cheaper rate for groups touring than to individuals.  For example, the UK Parliament charges 27 pounds for a single adult admission.  But, if you're an adult with a group, you pay 23 pounds.   Racist?   No.  Admission price based on numbers.   Both Disney World and Universal Amusement Park have discount rates for Florida residents.  Racist?  No, again based on state residency--perhaps they're getting a price break for putting up with all those tourists.   

    One can choose to see dual pricing as discriminatory and get all hot and bothered about it but I've found there is usually, in most cases, a reason for the way the pricing has been done.   Dear 'ol Dad used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."  Good advice, and dual pricing in Thailand definitely qualifies as 'small stuff', in my book.  But, feel free to wallow.

[richard_smith237]

 

27 minutes ago, newnative said:

One can choose to see dual pricing as discriminatory and get all hot and bothered about it but I've found there is usually, in most cases, a reason for the way the pricing has been done.   Dear 'ol Dad used to say, "Don't sweat the small stuff."  Good advice, and dual pricing in Thailand definitely qualifies as 'small stuff', in my book.  But, feel free to wallow.

 

You've highlighted various examples of tiered pricing - for residents, age groups, and so on....  and I completely agree there's a place for that. The key distinction, however, is that these are typically based on residency, or age, or student status etc...  not on nationality alone.

 

What I, and many others find distasteful is when pricing is determined solely by nationality. It's a practice that feels inherently discriminatory, and frankly, it's difficult to find comparable examples of this in Western countries.

 

I disagree with the notion that those of us raising this issue are just "sweating the small stuff." No one's mounting protests or dedicating their lives to this issue - but when this topic comes up in discussion, as it often does, it's only natural that people speak out.

 

Many critics of dual pricing seem to miss the point entirely: it’s not about the amount being paid, but about an discriminatory practice based solely no nationality, its clumsy.

[trainman34014]

Seen it all before multiple times; knee jerk reaction after somebody woke from their slumber and heard complaints.   Back to Racist normal after a week or so !