Tourism Thailand Vows to End Dual Pricing Amid Growing Tourist Backlash

[greeneking]

Would this be a good time to question why Ko Samet is desgnated as a National Park anyway? Rip off.

[Cardano]

23 hours ago, newnative said:

   Nothing is going over my head, and certainly not your incorrect, lame argument.   Thai is not a 'race'.  Thai is a nationality.  A Thai citizen, whether they are local or 'from the other end of the country', gets a break on the price of admission at the national park near you.  Non-Thai citizens, of whatever race, whether local or 'from the other end of the country', are charged a higher price, not because of their race but because they are not Thai citizens.  Not racist.  Not a big deal.  Got it now?

    

Ok so lets substitute Racism for "Exploitation of non thai nationals"

[Cardano]

19 hours ago, newnative said:

      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.

You seem to have a problem distinguishing between discounted prices and dual pricing.

[FruitPudding]

It'll never change; it's in their DNA, I think. 

 

💩

[FruitPudding]

On 5/1/2025 at 2:31 PM, Davedub said:

The dual pricing at hospitals is the big issue for me.

 

When I see the procedure I'm paying for can be profitably performed at a fraction of the price for a Thai it leaves me feeling ripped off and disrespected.

 

Disrespect.......to say the least. It should be criminal!

 

They are absolutely, abhorrent, stinky, slimy, little <deleted>s.

 

I haven't seen much trace of respect here to be honest. It's not a place for that.

 

 

[Kinok Farang]

Never been a problem to me seeing that the minimum wage here is a pittance.This problem happens worldwide all over holiday destinations.No big deal.

[Kinok Farang]

On 5/1/2025 at 8:24 AM, 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. 

I take it you were never young with the urge to see the world.If it wasn't for backpackers (hippies) in the sixties a lot of the places we visit now wouldn't be on the tourist map.I know,i was one of them.

[greeneking]

32 minutes ago, Kinok Farang said:

Never been a problem to me seeing that the minimum wage here is a pittance.This problem happens worldwide all over holiday destinations.No big deal.

The minimum wage would be much higher if the 'deserving good people' and the 'undeserving serfs' mentality disappeared.

And if the rich people paid their taxes. 

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, Cardano said:

On 5/1/2025 at 1:58 PM, JustinTyme said:

They just need to change the wording, to more easily explain the rationale behind this.  These are PUBLIC areas funded by taxes! 
The Thai have "already paid."

Tax Payer - 30 Baht
Non Tax Payer - 150 Baht

(and to the very small minority of tax paying foreigners, yes, they should provide you with a card to avoid the higher charge)

So 4 million Thais will pat 30 Baht and the other 70 million will have to pay 150 Baht.

 

Agreed... the Thai income tax rate starts at 150,000 baht per year... 

 

Thus: Comments such as JustinTyme's come wholly miss informed... 

 

As clumsy as his point is - there is a thin veneer of 'getting it nearly right'... When they could base dual pricing on residency... 

..... Thus anyone who can prove residency gets one price, anyone else another price.

 

The reason for this: Residents (those who live here, can prove Permanent Residence, Work Permit, Pink ID, Thai Driving Licence etc) - already contribute year round to the local economy with Taxes (income and VAT etc)...  

 

Thus: IF there must be dual charing, and I don't think there should, its inexcusable to have it based on Nationality, based on Residency 'alone' makes it slightly somewhat less nationalistic / xenophobic and less of a poorly thought out clumsy policty.

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

8 minutes ago, Kinok Farang said:

On 5/1/2025 at 8:24 AM, 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. 

Expand  

I take it you were never young with the urge to see the world.If it wasn't for backpackers (hippies) in the sixties a lot of the places we visit now wouldn't be on the tourist map.I know,i was one of them.

 

I honestly don't think he's bright enough to give such issue any depth of thought...    any thought at all actually.

[richard_smith237]

45 minutes ago, Kinok Farang said:

Never been a problem to me seeing that the minimum wage here is a pittance.This problem happens worldwide all over holiday destinations.No big deal.

 

No... It does not happen in the same context... 

 

You are referring to resident discounts...

 

... i.e...  Disney World where 'residents of Orlando' will get a discount - and that is for local residents no matter their nationtality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove local residency)

 

...  UK Student Fees - UK rate is for any UK resident for at least 3 years, of for someone any nationality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove UK residency for 3 years).

 

... Golf Course - local resident discounts - for any local resident, regardless of nationality (they could be Thai or Mexican - its doesn't matter if they can prove local residency).

 

... and on and on... 

 

ALL over the world as you put it - 'two tiered pricing' which offers discounted rates, does so for groups of local residents, certain age groups, students etc...  and none of that is based on nationality at all...   

 

In ALL examples of such 'discount' anyone of any nationality who meets the 'resident, age, student etc' requirements can get the discount - the sole qualifying factor is never nationality alone.

 

 

 

[newnative]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

They are not based on Nationality - they are based on Residency - IF you can prove you live locally  and show residency documentation (driving license, resident ID card etc) - a visitor will receive the local price. 

 

 

That again, is not based on Nationality, but on Residency - A national of any country who can prove they are living in the EU will get the 'local price' - they just need to show their residence permit, rental contract, utility bill. driving license... showing their address in an EU country (i.e. the discount is also extended to non-EU citizens who are legal EU residents)....

... So no, its not based on Nationality.

 

 

No... You are misunderstanding 'nationality based'...  Anyone from the USA who is also a resident of Canada, or anyone from any other country who can show they are a resident of Canada will receive the price for locals (Canadians).

 

 

Meanwhile, I am sure you do not understand the difference between 'based on Nationality' and 'based on Residency'...

 

 

 

Agreed, it also happens in other countries, but its very rare in the West, and nearly ALL the examples people have provided from the West can be picked apart and highlight the posters misunderstanding of 'Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone'  just as you have.

 

 

Whereby, any local resident of any Nationally, will also get the local price...  (though using the Venezia Unica City Pass or the The Toilet Pass VERITAS, available through the Venezia Unica platform) - So not based on Nationality, but local residency.

 

 

As with so many of these arguments - People are putting forward examples of dual pricing and not understanding the differentiation between local resident discounts which can apply to any local resident of any nationality and Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone as its employed in Thailand.

 

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

They are not based on Nationality - they are based on Residency - IF you can prove you live locally  and show residency documentation (driving license, resident ID card etc) - a visitor will receive the local price. 

 

 

That again, is not based on Nationality, but on Residency - A national of any country who can prove they are living in the EU will get the 'local price' - they just need to show their residence permit, rental contract, utility bill. driving license... showing their address in an EU country (i.e. the discount is also extended to non-EU citizens who are legal EU residents)....

... So no, its not based on Nationality.

 

 

No... You are misunderstanding 'nationality based'...  Anyone from the USA who is also a resident of Canada, or anyone from any other country who can show they are a resident of Canada will receive the price for locals (Canadians).

 

 

Meanwhile, I am sure you do not understand the difference between 'based on Nationality' and 'based on Residency'...

 

 

 

Agreed, it also happens in other countries, but its very rare in the West, and nearly ALL the examples people have provided from the West can be picked apart and highlight the posters misunderstanding of 'Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone'  just as you have.

 

 

Whereby, any local resident of any Nationally, will also get the local price...  (though using the Venezia Unica City Pass or the The Toilet Pass VERITAS, available through the Venezia Unica platform) - So not based on Nationality, but local residency.

 

 

As with so many of these arguments - People are putting forward examples of dual pricing and not understanding the differentiation between local resident discounts which can apply to any local resident of any nationality and Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone as its employed in Thailand.

      You're simply deflecting, and rather ludicrously, with your emphasis on 'local residency'.  How many American tourists on a one-week jaunt to Paris are going to be able to qualify as local residents?  Or Asian tourists on their short visits?  Slim to none, I should think--I'm an American and I know I'm not a 'local resident', and neither is my Thai spouse.

       If I show up at the Louvre in 2026, with my non-EU nationality and, of course, no local residency, I will be charged a higher price than a citizen of the EU, as will my Thai nationality spouse.  That's dual pricing by nationality--EU nationality, or local resident, one price, any other nationality, and not a local resident, a higher price.  Can't get much simpler.  Are you 'X' nationality?  You get this price.  If you're not 'X' nationality, you get a different price.  Dual pricing by whether you do, or don't have the nationality, as a visitor, to obtain the lower price.

      Ditto for the Canadian ski resort example.  Canadian nationals are charged one price, USA nationals living in the US and visiting the resort, a higher price.  That's also dual pricing based on nationality--you're either Canadian nationality or you're not. 

     And, dual pricing by nationality is certainly not 'very rare'--in the west or anywhere else.   In one of my posts I mentioned higher prices for foreign students at the college where I worked--quite common in the US, especially with state universities.  Again, leaving aside the 'local residency' deflection, you again have dual pricing based on whether you have a qualifying nationality.  If you're not of American nationality, you pay a higher price.  I don't have a problem with most dual pricing, though, for the reason I gave in my earlier post.

[newnative]

2 hours ago, Cardano said:

You seem to have a problem distinguishing between discounted prices and dual pricing.

      I think you're just getting tangled up in semantics.  It's two different prices, whatever you want to call one of them.  However you slice it, one person is paying "X" amount based on certain criteria and another person is paying "Y" amount, also based on certain criteria.  That's dual pricing.   And, if you add a third person paying "Z" amount, that's triple pricing.  And so on.  

[richard_smith237]

2 hours ago, greeneking said:

Would this be a good time to question why Ko Samet is desgnated as a National Park anyway? Rip off.

 

Why is anywhere designated a national park ?? Forest land, sea life, area of beauty that needs protection.

 

Why is a rip off any more than Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Khoa Yai ????

[newnative]

2 hours ago, Cardano said:

Ok so lets substitute Racism for "Exploitation of non thai nationals"

If you're feeling 'exploited' I suggest you vote with your pocketbook and avoid places with dual pricing.  

[Chris Daley]

All these expats over here claiming health insurance, longer wait times and increasing the crime rate.

 

They should pay more.  Stop the planes.

[richard_smith237]

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

You're simply deflecting, and rather ludicrously, with your emphasis on 'local residency'. 

 

Its not a deflection at all...   You are showing you do not understand the points discussed.

 

Dual pricing as it exists in Thailand,  is based on Nationality ONLY... You and I cannot get local prices.

 

Meanwhile the 'two tier' pricing as it exists in other Western Nations (and all the examples as you provided) can also apply to ANY of your Thai friends, if they are residents of those area.

 

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

How many American tourists on a one-week jaunt to Paris are going to be able to qualify as local residents?  Or Asian tourists on their short visits?  Slim to none, I should think--I'm an American and I know I'm not a 'local resident', and neither is my Thai spouse.

 

So you are receiving no difference in treatment to your Thai Wife, or Thai friend.

Meanwhile, I know Thai's who live and work in Paris - they will get the EU Residents discount. 

You, as an American, will not.

 

Its not based on Nationality - which would be xeonophobic.

 

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

If I show up at the Louvre in 2026, with my non-EU nationality and, of course, no local residency, I will be charged a higher price than a citizen of the EU, as will my Thai nationality spouse.  That's dual pricing by nationality--EU nationality, or local resident, one price, any other nationality, and not a local resident, a higher price.  Can't get much simpler.  Are you 'X' nationality?  You get this price.  If you're not 'X' nationality, you get a different price.  Dual pricing by whether you do, or don't have the nationality, as a visitor, to obtain the lower price.

 

No - its not based on Nationality at all - Its based on Residency.

ANY citizen of any nation in the world, IF they are living in France, or Germany or Spain etc and can show they are a resident of an EU Country, they will get the price for EU Citizens.

 

Again - its not about nationality - its about residency.

 

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

Ditto for the Canadian ski resort example.  Canadian nationals are charged one price, USA nationals living in the US and visiting the resort, a higher price.  That's also dual pricing based on nationality--you're either Canadian nationality or you're not. 

 

No, its not based on Nationality - because a national of ANY country, could be living in Canada can prove that they a resident of Canada (i.e. with residency card or Canadian driving license) and secure the Canadian residents prices for the Ski resport.

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

 And, dual pricing by nationality is certainly not 'very rare'--in the west or anywhere else.   

 

Nope...  You just don't understand the difference between Resident and National in this context because you don't want to or are unable to.

 

No example you have provided charges based on Nationality alone, its open to residency.

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

In one of my posts I mentioned higher prices for foreign students at the college where I worked--quite common in the US, especially with state universities.  Again, leaving aside the 'local residency' deflection, you again have dual pricing based on whether you have a qualifying nationality. 

 

WRONG - you can't ignore residency, when residency is THE qualifying factor.

When someone of ANY nationality is a local resident, they receive the rates for local residency.

Sometimes there is a moratorium (a time frame for which they have to have been a resident) before they can secure local rates - but again, that is not a nationality thing and out of state people will have the same moratorium applied.

 

You can't leave aside the 'local residency' aspect of this discussion, because its not a 'deflection' at its the very fundamental point at very heart of this discussion.

 

Two Tiered pricing as we witness it in the West is never based sole on nationality alone - I know of not one example where it is.... 

 

21 minutes ago, newnative said:

If you're not of American nationality, you pay a higher price.  I don't have a problem with most dual pricing, though, for the reason I gave in my earlier post.

 

There is no pricing in the US (that I have seen) where by local residents of any nationality cannot get the same price... 

 

 

This is 'THE' argument against dual pricing in Thailand, it's ONLY about nationality, not residency - hence its a rather nationalistic and xenophobic policy.

 

 

 

 

 

[mikebike]

2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Its not a deflection at all...   You are showing you do not understand the points discussed.

 

Dual pricing as it exists in Thailand,  is based on Nationality ONLY... You and I cannot get local prices.

 

Meanwhile the 'two tier' pricing as it exists in other Western Nations (and all the examples as you provided) can also apply to ANY of your Thai friends, if they are residents of those area.

 

 

 

So you are receiving no difference in treatment to your Thai Wife, or Thai friend.

Meanwhile, I know Thai's who live and work in Paris - they will get the EU Residents discount. 

You, as an American, will not.

 

Its not based on Nationality - which would be xeonophobic.

 

 

 

No - its not based on Nationality at all - Its based on Residency.

ANY citizen of any nation in the world, IF they are living in France, or Germany or Spain etc and can show they are a resident of an EU Country, they will get the price for EU Citizens.

 

Again - its not about nationality - its about residency.

 

 

 

No, its not based on Nationality - because a national of ANY country, could be living in Canada can prove that they a resident of Canada (i.e. with residency card or Canadian driving license) and secure the Canadian residents prices for the Ski resport.

 

 

Nope...  You just don't understand the difference between Resident and National in this context because you don't want to or are unable to.

 

No example you have provided charges based on Nationality alone, its open to residency.

 

 

WRONG - you can't ignore residency, when residency is THE qualifying factor.

When someone of ANY nationality is a local resident, they receive the rates for local residency.

Sometimes there is a moratorium (a time frame for which they have to have been a resident) before they can secure local rates - but again, that is not a nationality thing and out of state people will have the same moratorium applied.

 

You can't leave aside the 'local residency' aspect of this discussion, because its not a 'deflection' at its the very fundamental point at very heart of this discussion.

 

Two Tiered pricing as we witness it in the West is never based sole on nationality alone - I know of not one example where it is.... 

 

 

There is no pricing in the US (that I have seen) where by local residents of any nationality cannot get the same price... 

 

 

This is 'THE' argument against dual pricing in Thailand, it's ONLY about nationality, not residency - hence its a rather nationalistic and xenophobic policy.

 

 

 

 

 

OK... after your stupid screed I have to ask.. 

You do realize the residency in all the countries you mentioned is not the same as rocking up and having a retirement or marriage permit to stay, right?

[richard_smith237]

38 minutes ago, newnative said:

Ditto for the Canadian ski resort example.  Canadian nationals are charged one price, USA nationals living in the US and visiting the resort, a higher price.  That's also dual pricing based on nationality--you're either Canadian nationality or you're not. 

 

This is why you are wrong: Its not based on Nationality its based on Where you live - Your residency.

Examples: 

 

1. Big White (BC)

Offers resident discounts for British Columbia residents.

Any nationality qualifies as long as the person resides in BC and shows valid BC ID.

 

2. Lake Louise (Alberta)

Offers discounted pricing for Alberta residents during special promotions.

Residency proof (e.g. AB driver's licence) is all that's needed.

 

3. Mont Tremblant (Quebec)

Has local resident rates for those in nearby postal codes.

No distinction based on citizenship – it's about where you live.

 

4. Mount Norquay (Banff, AB)

Offers locals' days and resident pricing.

ID with a local address is sufficient, regardless of nationality.

 

None of the above discounts have anything to do with nationality and everything to do with your 'address' i.e. where you are Resident !!!!

[richard_smith237]

18 minutes ago, mikebike said:

OK... after yourc I have to ask.. 

You do realize the residency in all the countries you mentioned is not the same as rocking up and having a retirement or marriage permit to stay, right?

 

Wrong: In all of the examples provided - residency can be proven by having a local bill, a local driving license, local ID cards...   And thats the same for Thailand, we can prove 'residency' - that we live here, through bills, ID cards, Driving licenses - but its not accepted.

 

Also...  in Thailand, even those with Permanent Residence in Thailand are discriminated against by Dual Pricing at national parks and hospitals.

 

 

Thats the point - Thailands dual pricing is based ONLY on nationality and that can be seen as nationalistic and xenophobic... where as the two tiered pricing employed by other western nations is based on factors not impacted by nationality alone.

 

Your comment needs critical thought.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[newnative]

22 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Its not a deflection at all...   You are showing you do not understand the points discussed.

 

Dual pricing as it exists in Thailand,  is based on Nationality ONLY... You and I cannot get local prices.

 

Meanwhile the 'two tier' pricing as it exists in other Western Nations (and all the examples as you provided) can also apply to ANY of your Thai friends, if they are residents of those area.

 

 

 

So you are receiving no difference in treatment to your Thai Wife, or Thai friend.

Meanwhile, I know Thai's who live and work in Paris - they will get the EU Residents discount. 

You, as an American, will not.

 

Its not based on Nationality - which would be xeonophobic.

 

 

 

No - its not based on Nationality at all - Its based on Residency.

ANY citizen of any nation in the world, IF they are living in France, or Germany or Spain etc and can show they are a resident of an EU Country, they will get the price for EU Citizens.

 

Again - its not about nationality - its about residency.

 

 

 

No, its not based on Nationality - because a national of ANY country, could be living in Canada can prove that they a resident of Canada (i.e. with residency card or Canadian driving license) and secure the Canadian residents prices for the Ski resport.

 

 

Nope...  You just don't understand the difference between Resident and National in this context because you don't want to or are unable to.

 

No example you have provided charges based on Nationality alone, its open to residency.

 

 

WRONG - you can't ignore residency, when residency is THE qualifying factor.

When someone of ANY nationality is a local resident, they receive the rates for local residency.

Sometimes there is a moratorium (a time frame for which they have to have been a resident) before they can secure local rates - but again, that is not a nationality thing and out of state people will have the same moratorium applied.

 

You can't leave aside the 'local residency' aspect of this discussion, because its not a 'deflection' at its the very fundamental point at very heart of this discussion.

 

Two Tiered pricing as we witness it in the West is never based sole on nationality alone - I know of not one example where it is.... 

 

 

There is no pricing in the US (that I have seen) where by local residents of any nationality cannot get the same price... 

 

 

This is 'THE' argument against dual pricing in Thailand, it's ONLY about nationality, not residency - hence its a rather nationalistic and xenophobic policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Its not a deflection at all...   You are showing you do not understand the points discussed.

 

Dual pricing as it exists in Thailand,  is based on Nationality ONLY... You and I cannot get local prices.

 

Meanwhile the 'two tier' pricing as it exists in other Western Nations (and all the examples as you provided) can also apply to ANY of your Thai friends, if they are residents of those area.

 

 

 

So you are receiving no difference in treatment to your Thai Wife, or Thai friend.

Meanwhile, I know Thai's who live and work in Paris - they will get the EU Residents discount. 

You, as an American, will not.

 

Its not based on Nationality - which would be xeonophobic.

 

 

 

No - its not based on Nationality at all - Its based on Residency.

ANY citizen of any nation in the world, IF they are living in France, or Germany or Spain etc and can show they are a resident of an EU Country, they will get the price for EU Citizens.

 

Again - its not about nationality - its about residency.

 

 

 

No, its not based on Nationality - because a national of ANY country, could be living in Canada can prove that they a resident of Canada (i.e. with residency card or Canadian driving license) and secure the Canadian residents prices for the Ski resport.

 

 

Nope...  You just don't understand the difference between Resident and National in this context because you don't want to or are unable to.

 

No example you have provided charges based on Nationality alone, its open to residency.

 

 

WRONG - you can't ignore residency, when residency is THE qualifying factor.

When someone of ANY nationality is a local resident, they receive the rates for local residency.

Sometimes there is a moratorium (a time frame for which they have to have been a resident) before they can secure local rates - but again, that is not a nationality thing and out of state people will have the same moratorium applied.

 

You can't leave aside the 'local residency' aspect of this discussion, because its not a 'deflection' at its the very fundamental point at very heart of this discussion.

 

Two Tiered pricing as we witness it in the West is never based sole on nationality alone - I know of not one example where it is.... 

 

 

There is no pricing in the US (that I have seen) where by local residents of any nationality cannot get the same price... 

 

 

This is 'THE' argument against dual pricing in Thailand, it's ONLY about nationality, not residency - hence its a rather nationalistic and xenophobic policy.

 

 

 

 

 

       You're trying mighty hard to get that square peg to fit into the round hole.  Residency in a country is a completely separate issue but you keep trying to make it relevant to dual pricing for non-residents and non-citizens, when it absolutely is not.  Western dual pricing gets a pass in your book because there's a possibility, however remote if not impossible, for the tourists to become local residents.  As I said before, ludicrous.

       You continue to ignore basic reality--non-Euro citizens--say an American and a Thai--going on a short trip to Paris are not going to establish local residency in order to get the same local resident admission price to the Louvre.   So, both the American and the Thai will pay a higher price, not because they are American and Thai, but, rather, because they are not citizens of the EU.  It's not dual pricing aimed at any specific country, rather, it is one price for citizens and another price for all non-citizens, whatever country they are from.  That is, plain and simple, dual pricing based solely on nationality, in this case neither of them being of EU nationality.  And, of course, being short-term tourists, not residents.     

      I think you are incorrect when you say western dual pricing is never based on nationality alone.  The example I gave on college tuition is certainly based on nationality alone.  You're a non-citizen from a foreign country, you pay a higher price at some US colleges--that's based on nationality alone.  Not American nationality?  You pay the foreign rate.  Cut and dried.   It's true that there's the possibility of establishing residency--but that's a totally separate issue from the initial dual pricing by nationality alone--and if a foreign student doesn't establish residency or is unable to, the dual pricing remains by nationality alone.

[newnative]

57 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

This is why you are wrong: Its not based on Nationality its based on Where you live - Your residency.

Examples: 

 

1. Big White (BC)

Offers resident discounts for British Columbia residents.

Any nationality qualifies as long as the person resides in BC and shows valid BC ID.

 

2. Lake Louise (Alberta)

Offers discounted pricing for Alberta residents during special promotions.

Residency proof (e.g. AB driver's licence) is all that's needed.

 

3. Mont Tremblant (Quebec)

Has local resident rates for those in nearby postal codes.

No distinction based on citizenship – it's about where you live.

 

4. Mount Norquay (Banff, AB)

Offers locals' days and resident pricing.

ID with a local address is sufficient, regardless of nationality.

 

None of the above discounts have anything to do with nationality and everything to do with your 'address' i.e. where you are Resident !!!!

    So a tourist from another country is going to establish local residency at all those places to get the same price as locals?   As I addressed in my other post, local residency is an entirely separate issue and not relevant to dual pricing for international tourists, who do not become local residents on short tourist visits to countries.  

[richard_smith237]

4 minutes ago, newnative said:

You're trying mighty hard to get that square peg to fit into the round hole. 

 

You're trying might hard to misunderstand a simple issue...

 

Two Tiered pricing in all Western Nations is based on Residency.

Dual Pricing in Thailand is based on Nationalilty.

 

One is somewhat xenophobic - the other isn't.

 

 

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

Residency in a country is a completely separate issue but you keep trying to make it relevant to dual pricing for non-residents and non-citizens, when it absolutely is not. 

 

Wrong - thats exactly what its about...

 

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

Western dual pricing gets a pass in your book because there's a possibility, however remote if not impossible, for the tourists to become local residents.  As I said before, ludicrous.

 

Wrong.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

You continue to ignore basic reality--non-Euro citizens--say an American and a Thai--going on a short trip to Paris are not going to establish local residency in order to get the same local resident admission price to the Louvre.   

 

Equal treatment of both...  And a Thai who lives in Paris will get the EU Rate - no discrimination based on nationality - there is simply a local residents promotion...

 

... Its not even nuanced - yet you struggle with the simplicity of this.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

So, both the American and the Thai will pay a higher price, not because they are American and Thai, but, rather, because they are not citizens of the EU. 

 

WRONG...  they wont get the EU Price, becasue they are not EU Residents - IF both live in the EU, then both will get the EU Residents prices - There is no exclusion based on Nationality alone....  and thats the point.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

It's not dual pricing aimed at any specific country, rather, it is one price for citizens and another price for all non-citizens, whatever country they are from. 

 

You still miss the point...   Dual Pricing in Thailand IS based on Nationality. Dual Pricing in these Western Nations (and every example you have provided) is NOT based on Nationality....  its residency based.

 

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

That is, plain and simple, dual pricing based solely on nationality, in this case neither of them being of EU nationality.  And, of course, being short-term tourists, not residents.     

 

You still don't understand the difference between the manner in which Thailand uses dual pricing for its National Parks and Hospitals, and the manner in which the Western World uses Two Tiered Pricing.

 

Safari World, Sea Life in Bangkok Get it right - they have two tier pricing - a Price for Non-Residents, and a price for Thailand Residents - Show a Driving license and get the Local Price - quite simple.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

I think you are incorrect when you say western dual pricing is never based on nationality alone.  The example I gave on college tuition is certainly based on nationality alone.  You're a non-citizen from a foreign country, you pay a higher price at some US colleges--that's based on nationality alone. 

 

Thats also wrong: The cost College Tuition in the US is based on residency not Nationality / Citizenship.

There is also a difference between 'in-state' and 'out-of-state' residency rates - again, not based on Nationality / Citizenship.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

Not American nationality?  You pay the foreign rate.  Cut and dried.   

 

And also wrong - give one one example of any University in the USA where a USA Citizen gets a cheaper rate than ANY foreigner whose family is also a resident of that state.

 

5 minutes ago, newnative said:

It's true that there's the possibility of establishing residency--but that's a totally separate issue from the initial dual pricing by nationality alone--and if a foreign student doesn't establish residency or is unable to, the dual pricing remains by nationality alone.

 

Give me one example of USA Dual Pricing based on Nationality ALONE... Where a local resident of any Nationality other than USA will not get the same rate ???

 

 

The ONLY examples you may come up with, particularly with education are where a moratorium exists.

 

 

For example: 

My Thai Friends live in the UK - they are resident and have been for a while - there daughter will pay UK resident fees because they have been there longer than 5 years.

IF move to the UK this year - My Son (a UK Citizen) will have to pay International students fees because he does not meet the moratorium requirements of being a resident for at least 3 years.

 

[richard_smith237]

12 minutes ago, newnative said:

    So a tourist from another country is going to establish local residency at all those places to get the same price as locals?   As I addressed in my other post, local residency is an entirely separate issue and not relevant to dual pricing for international tourists, who do not become local residents on short tourist visits to countries.  

 

And this is where you show a complete misunderstanding of the principles involved.

 

A 'Tourist' from another country is not a resident - they are a tourist and will be subject to Two Tiered pricing whichever nation they are from and whichever nation they are visiting.

 

Meanwhile, a Resident of any country or state, or municipality - will receive local rates where offered, regardless of their nationality - they are not exclued by their nationliity.

 

Conversely, In Thailand, where national parks and hosptials (some) are concerned, local Residents ARE excluded from receiving local rates because of their nationality. 

 

The difference is not subtle.... 

[richard_smith237]

29 minutes ago, newnative said:

I think you are incorrect when you say western dual pricing is never based on nationality alone.  The example I gave on college tuition is certainly based on nationality alone. 

 

(Shorter quote for brevity) - Pick one....  Any example where Dual Pricing on Nationality ALONE exists in the Western World.

 

Your 'college tuition' example can already be picked a part... its based on local residency.

 

 

[YayaManos]

This talk only, it will never happen!

[greeneking]

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Why is anywhere designated a national park ?? Forest land, sea life, area of beauty that needs protection.

 

Why is a rip off any more than Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Khoa Yai ????

Because you do not pay 400 baht to visit most of those places!

If you have been to Samet you would be surprised to know it was being protected.

[greeneking]

9 minutes ago, greeneking said:

Because you do not pay 400 baht to visit most of those places!

If you have been to Samet you would be surprised to know it was being protected.

Apologies. 200 baht.

[richard_smith237]

18 minutes ago, greeneking said:

2 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Why is anywhere designated a national park ?? Forest land, sea life, area of beauty that needs protection.

 

Why is a rip off any more than Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Khoa Yai ????

Because you do not pay 400 baht to visit most of those places!

If you have been to Samet you would be surprised to know it was being protected.

 

I do... I go to Koh Samet a couple of times per year...   I don't see it 'any better protected' than Koh Chang (for example) worse in-fact.

 

Theoretically: between 110 Million and 140 Million Baht in National Park Entrance Fee's alone is made on Koh Samet - having been going there for a couple of decades, I don't see any evidence of that being reinvested in the island. 

 

I pay 400 baht upon entry each time.

I see Chinese tourists getting harassed whenever I am near the 'Park Rangers' office (near Sai Keaw Beach), I see them arguing that they paid the 400 baht fee... I see the rangers arguing that that was for yesterday, they haven't paid the fee for to day....  ... Its a racket.

 

 

BUT... IF thats not enough - I posted the figures earlier.

 

Thailand income from Tourism at approx US$48 Billion

Thailands revenue from Income Tax US$ 68 billion

 

Income from Tourism is approximately 70% of the revenue generated by Thai Income Tax.

 

When placed in perspective - Tourism contribution to the Thai economy is huge... the extra squeeze of dual pricing is clumsy.

 

 

 

[Lorry]

7 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

They are not based on Nationality - they are based on Residency - IF you can prove you live locally  and show residency documentation (driving license, resident ID card etc) - a visitor will receive the local price. 

 

 

That again, is not based on Nationality, but on Residency - A national of any country who can prove they are living in the EU will get the 'local price' - they just need to show their residence permit, rental contract, utility bill. driving license... showing their address in an EU country (i.e. the discount is also extended to non-EU citizens who are legal EU residents)....

... So no, its not based on Nationality.

 

 

No... You are misunderstanding 'nationality based'...  Anyone from the USA who is also a resident of Canada, or anyone from any other country who can show they are a resident of Canada will receive the price for locals (Canadians).

 

 

Meanwhile, I am sure you do not understand the difference between 'based on Nationality' and 'based on Residency'...

 

 

 

Agreed, it also happens in other countries, but its very rare in the West, and nearly ALL the examples people have provided from the West can be picked apart and highlight the posters misunderstanding of 'Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone'  just as you have.

 

 

Whereby, any local resident of any Nationally, will also get the local price...  (though using the Venezia Unica City Pass or the The Toilet Pass VERITAS, available through the Venezia Unica platform) - So not based on Nationality, but local residency.

 

 

As with so many of these arguments - People are putting forward examples of dual pricing and not understanding the differentiation between local resident discounts which can apply to any local resident of any nationality and Dual Pricing based on Nationality alone as its employed in Thailand.

You are right that double-pricing in Thailand is not nationality- based. 

It's race-based, as the example of the Filipino in Wat Phra Kaeo beautifully shows.  Been there,  done that.  And many Filipinos, Laotians,  Southern Chinese etc know this.

 

BTW it cuts 2 ways.  A farang of caucasian race has many advantages here,  whereas a Swede, born to Thai parents, has a hard time convincing anybody that he is a farang. 

 

This has been discussed on TV roughly twice per year,  for the last 20 years.