There is a recurring theme that foreigners in Thailand are sometimes held to a different, often higher, standard than locals. Whether it is on pricing, legal enforcement, bureaucratic hurdles, or social expectations, sometimes it seems there are moments where equality does not quite apply to everyone in the same way. You could argue that these examples are also isolated and not representative of everyday reality. And two sides to every story, right?

So is Thailand truly a systemic "hub" of double standards, or are we reacting to a handful of visible cases and turning them into a hyped up narrative? It is a sensitive question, and probably not one with a simple answer. Context plays a role. Every situation is different. Culture matters. Individual experiences can also vary widely.

This is a classic "first-time expat" epiphany, but acting like Thailand holds the patent on this is a bit of a reach.

The reality is that differential treatment for outsiders is a global standard, not a Thai specialty. Whether it’s "gringo pricing" in South America, "foreigner taxes" in Europe, or the bureaucratic maze of being an immigrant in the West, the "us vs. them" dynamic exists in every country on Earth.

You haven't uncovered a unique systemic "hub"; just describing the universal experience of being a guest in someone else’s house. If you think this is exclusive to Thailand, you probably just need to get out more and see how the rest of the world operates.

9 minutes ago, Nemises said:

This is a classic "first-time expat" epiphany, but acting like Thailand holds the patent on this is a bit of a reach.

The reality is that differential treatment for outsiders is a global standard, not a Thai specialty. Whether it’s "gringo pricing" in South America, "foreigner taxes" in Europe, or the bureaucratic maze of being an immigrant in the West, the "us vs. them" dynamic exists in every country on Earth.

You haven't uncovered a unique systemic "hub"; just describing the universal experience of being a guest in someone else’s house. If you think this is exclusive to Thailand, you probably just need to get out more and see how the rest of the world operates.

No revelation here. Just a question about Thailand, in a thread about Thailand.

Pointing out that similar dynamics exist elsewhere does not address the question. Of course outsiders are treated differently in many countries. That is hardly an unknown phenomenon. The discussion is whether the perception of double standards in Thailand is broadly accurate or exaggerated. Turning it into a global sociology lecture sidesteps the point rather than engaging with it.

It is possible to acknowledge this is a common human pattern while still asking how it plays out in one specific place. That is not claiming Thailand holds a patent on anything. It is simply narrowing the lens to the country in focus here. If you think the perception here is overstated, say why. That would move the discussion forward far more than reframing the question into something it never claimed to be.

People often seek greater profits where they can and foreigners are seen as more well off.

Regarding double standards, it is much up to you. Sure, it´s not much you can do about higher fees for entrance. However, mostly that can be avoided by showing either a oink id card or a Thai driver license, and you get the same prices as the Thais. When it comes to legal help, for example, is where your choice matters. If you search and find a serious help, then you will mostly get the right price. If you settle with the shady ones, they will always try and get as most as possible out of you.

And, it´s not Thai specific.

1 hour ago, Nemises said:

The reality is that differential treatment for outsiders is a global standard, not a Thai specialty.

Canada does a pretty good job of trying to treat everyone equal.

8 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

However, mostly that can be avoided by showing either a oink id card or a Thai driver license, and you get the same prices as the Thais.

Not in my past experiences.

What is an oink id card, one for pigs? 555

25 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

Not in my past experiences.

What is an oink id card, one for pigs? 555

Nah, it was a misspelling. Glad I could sort that out for you. On the other hand, if you wish, you can dedicate your first understanding of it as a private thing.

42 minutes ago, blaze master said:

Canada does a pretty good job of trying to treat everyone equal.

Canadian citizens pay far less than international students at public universities.

Furthermore some grants, subsidies and benefits are restricted to its citizens.

17 minutes ago, Nemises said:

Canadian citizens pay far less than international students at public universities.

Furthermore some grants, subsidies and benefits are restricted to its citizens.

Of course citizens get more benefits. Once you become a citizen you are granted the same. Seems quite reasonable to ask someone to become a full citizen for that.

As for the schooling the rates are generally due to lack of public funding. The students are not citizens who are also taking spots away from citizens its not unreasonable.

Maybe it would have been better if I said its citizens. Its one of the fairest places in the world is the point. The country goes above and beyond to accept people. There is no doubt about that.

I feel it goes both ways, there is places I have advantages and excused for my ignorance, or get prioritised because I am from Europe, and there is places Im ignored or treated different because Im an western. Maybe just a feeling, who knows really. I guess thats universial, and not specific a thai happening, or happenings.

3 hours ago, SoCal1990 said:

Whether it is on pricing, legal enforcement, bureaucratic hurdles, or social expectations, sometimes it seems there are moments where equality does not quite apply to everyone in the same way.

According to Thai netizens it's the other way round, and receive foreigners preferential treatment.

1 hour ago, wil iam not said:

Not in my past experiences.

What is an oink id card, one for pigs? 555

An oink ID card entitles you to a 40% discount on pork at many stores.

Obviously he was referring to the pink card which I have found to be incredibly useful on so many occasions, whether it be for checking into a hotel or using as a form of ID for the police, as I never carry around my original passport and refuse to. A Thai driver's license is also super helpful.

As the old saying goes we make our bed and then we lie in it. Sure Thailand has double standards, but what's the big deal? Most places have double standards, and I don't find that the double standards affect my life too much here other than the fact that I avoid the national parks, because I won't pay 10 times what the locals pay, despite having the proper ID.

Life is what we make it. I happen to find my life here wonderful, everyday I wake up here is a good day, I love most Thai people, and I absolutely adore this place. The quality of life is infinitely better than where I come from, which is a very broken down nation run by ignorant goons and fools.

8 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

An oink ID card entitles you to a 40% discount on pork at many stores.

Obviously he was referring to the pink card which I have found to be incredibly useful on so many occasions, whether it be for checking into a hotel or using as a form of ID for the police, as I never carry around my original passport and refuse to. A Thai driver's license is also super helpful.

As the old saying goes we make our bed and then we lie in it. Sure Thailand has double standards, but what's the big deal? Most places have double standards, and I don't find that the double standards affect my life too much here other than the fact that I avoid the national parks, because I won't pay 10 times what the locals pay, despite having the proper ID.

Life is what we make it. I happen to find my life here wonderful, everyday I wake up here is a good day, I love most Thai people, and I absolutely adore this place. The quality of life is infinitely better than where I come from, which is a very broken down nation run by ignorant goons and fools.

Never heard about oink card entitles :D first time now. That mean you get thai prices in stores that have falang prices ?

Actually, when I first started teaching here, my wife and I took ride around downtown Korat on my new Honda Dream. One of the few times I drove without a helmet as we were just putting around at bicycle speed checking out the sights.
Got around the Ya Mo monument and the cops had a roadblock up and were targeting motorcycles without helmets. I slowed down expecting to be told to pull over, but the cops literally would not look at me and we just scooted right past them all.

So are farangs targeted for not wearing helmets. No more than Thais are. In Chiang Mai, are farangs targeted for driving without a valid motorcycle license or a IDP with a motorcycle endorsement or driving without a helmet
Yes - they are. And "yes" they should be. Can you drive in your Western home country without a license or a helmet - "No," you can not. The only "double-standard" is the farang expectation that they are somehow above the local laws here. Up next - public sex on the beaches. Somehow that suppose to be Ok too.

In my three decades plus experience here, I think it depends largely on how well you speak, understand and read Thai. You'll often get a pass for that alone. I think those cops didn't pull you over because they didn't speak English.

I use my oink ID (5555) regularly to claim services for elders which are normally restricted to Thais. I get half-fare on buses and other transportation.

A lot also is knowing the culture. Who to wai, when to wai, how long to wai, when to bow your head while waiing, as wells as the simple things like heads and feet. Thais love to joke and if you have a sense of humour, it goes a long way.

2 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Nah, it was a misspelling.

No, I hope it was a typo.

Misspelling means that you do not know the correct one, typo means fat fingers or your keyboard is knackered or that you cannot be bothered to check what you typed.

Other than the odd thing like well-sign-posted (small) extra costs for foreigners visiting some national parks, I don't experience dual-pricing (BTW - Thailand is not the only country that does that). Speaking Thai helps of course, day to day, particularly if you need to barter in a market - where of course, if the merchant thinks you're a tourist who doesn't know the cost of things - they will try to extract as much as she or he can. So what - wouldn't you? One thing of note - when you see condos etc., advertised in English, you should guess that Thais are not paying those prices. Do your homework.

3 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

In my three decades plus experience here, I think it depends largely on how well you speak, understand and read Thai. You'll often get a pass for that alone. I think those cops didn't pull you over because they didn't speak English.

I use my oink ID (5555) regularly to claim services for elders which are normally restricted to Thais. I get half-fare on buses and other transportation.

A lot also is knowing the culture. Who to wai, when to wai, how long to wai, when to bow your head while waiing, as wells as the simple things like heads and feet. Thais love to joke and if you have a sense of humour, it goes a long way.

Wai everyone and smile. That way you will be liked or laughed at.

2 hours ago, wil iam not said:

No, I hope it was a typo.

Misspelling means that you do not know the correct one, typo means fat fingers or your keyboard is knackered or that you cannot be bothered to check what you typed.

Oh my god! Feel free to visit to see what you call my fat fingers. Also, is doesn´t matter if I know or not know. This is an international forum. You know, people here are not all native English speakers and writers. That´s why there is a rule that says we should not point out typos. But you probably missed that as well as many other things in life. Go on now, have a nice evening.

12 hours ago, wil iam not said:

Not in my past experiences.

What is an oink id card, one for pigs? 555

Regarding your experiences, I can´t care less, as I know it´s a fact. In Pattaya, Korat, Phuket, Bangkok and many small cities around in Thailand, both the pink card or a driver license to show makes you get Thai prices. You probably don´t have any of them.

12 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Regarding your experiences, I can´t care less, as I know it´s a fact. In Pattaya, Korat, Phuket, Bangkok and many small cities around in Thailand, both the pink card or a driver license to show makes you get Thai prices. You probably don´t have any of them.

Tell me how a tourist who comes to Thailand for 2 weeks gets a pink card?

1 hour ago, still kicking said:

Tell me how a tourist who comes to Thailand for 2 weeks gets a pink card?

Thanks for the thumbs down, you have no idea

Some expats seem obsessed with double

pricing ? Even assuming a few friends visit

a couple of times a year , the difference at

these venues is ...well peanuts .

10 hours ago, still kicking said:

Tell me how a tourist who comes to Thailand for 2 weeks gets a pink card?

In that case it´s not Thai specific. There are many other countries that have the same pricing system.

On 2/24/2026 at 9:29 AM, Nemises said:

Canadian citizens pay far less than international students at public universities.

Furthermore some grants, subsidies and benefits are restricted to its citizens.

I've seen news reports of dot Indians raiding food banks on certain days and passing along tips on how to game the system. They came over for years to get diploma factory credentials. They've been exposed. Not all Canucks are as welcoming to those type of foreigners any longer.

Double standards in Thailand? Nooooooooo, who would say such a nasty thing.

Non-Thais: TM30 for required four times yearly with the authorities; online still unreliable and punishable with steep fine.
Thais: Millions of Thais do not live at their registered residence in Northern-/Northeastern Thailand as they work in urban areas like Bangkok and surrounding, plying the trade in Pattaya, Phuket and elsewhere

Non-Thais: pay sometimes exorbitant fees to access museums (coloured entrance tickets), national parks, monuments, palace and some temple compounds
Thais: enjoy ridiculously cheap fees (i.e. some national parks - black/white tickets - are 25 times cheaper than for an alien)

Non-Thais: buy condominiums up to 49% of the building at substantially higher prices than the locals
Thais: can buy the majority of condominiums yet refuse to contribute to sinking funds etc. which in many cases turned condominium towers into ruins due to lack of maintenance of elevators, swimming pools and other recreational facilities

Non-Thais tend to pay higher prices in hotels and resorts
Thais: enjoy "Thai only" discounting in many places

As long as the doctrine reads "foreigners are rich" (ฝรั่งรวย), overheard often almost everywhere, it clearly proves an inferiority complex towards the alien or dirty farang (as so proclaimed by no-one else than the acting prime minister) there will always be a gap.

Before getting hammered now by some keyboard warriors; I have no problem with all that. I can and do choose what I do and where to spend my money; if too much is too much then vote with your feet, simple as that. As you cannot change anything, live with it or move elsewhere ;-)

On 2/24/2026 at 10:38 AM, unblocktheplanet said:

In my three decades plus experience here, I think it depends largely on how well you speak, understand and read Thai. You'll often get a pass for that alone. I think those cops didn't pull you over because they didn't speak English.

I use my oink ID (5555) regularly to claim services for elders which are normally restricted to Thais. I get half-fare on buses and other transportation.

A lot also is knowing the culture. Who to wai, when to wai, how long to wai, when to bow your head while waiing, as wells as the simple things like heads and feet. Thais love to joke and if you have a sense of humour, it goes a long way.

Wise words- as ever it pays to try to embrace Thai culture and understand that here things are often not as they were in one's home country

On 2/24/2026 at 1:16 AM, SoCal1990 said:

There is a recurring theme that foreigners in Thailand are sometimes held to a different, often higher, standard than locals. Whether it is on pricing, legal enforcement, bureaucratic hurdles, or social expectations, sometimes it seems there are moments where equality does not quite apply to everyone in the same way. You could argue that these examples are also isolated and not representative of everyday reality. And two sides to every story, right?

So is Thailand truly a systemic "hub" of double standards, or are we reacting to a handful of visible cases and turning them into a hyped up narrative? It is a sensitive question, and probably not one with a simple answer. Context plays a role. Every situation is different. Culture matters. Individual experiences can also vary widely.

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In some – perhaps many – cases yes. With a dual pricing numerous places, foreigners pay a higher entrance fee or price in general than locals. To protect local workers – excluding workers from neighbouring countries – foreigners can only work in higher job positions or as an expert, where no lacels are available with that level of skills. Many Thais see (Western) foreigners as rich: Even that a foreigner might be considered of lower status, a family with a foreign member – provider – often moves up in status.

But in my experience – and thereby opinion – it is wi9dely up to how the foreigner behaves. Some foreigners are indeed considered low standard by Thais, while others are accepted, and even accepted as being part in the higher social levels. In general financial status matters much in Thailand – both among Thais and forigners – and behavior is also a part of it. If a foreigner behaves bad, even when having money, Thais consider the foreigner as low standard. I've experienced examples of both where I live; i.e., being accepted in the local community and some even considered among the higher levels, and bad behaving wealthy forignes considered as scum. Furthermore, there might be difference in how the law is performed depending of if you are Thai or a foreigner – the latter can even be expelled with risk of lose everything in Thailand – perhaps in some cases a little tea money is easy to obtain from a foreigner.

Thai laws are for foreigners, not for Thai.

You see that every day in Thailand. Especially in traffic.

However if you are Thai moslim in the south, you are also treated different.

Thats why there are the problems in the south.

If you cant show 20000 baht while coming in , if they ask, they kick you out.

Never the less there are 800000 illegal working in Thailand from surrounding countries.

Thaksin gets free again, parole in may. Many other people stay in prison.

All officers in military never have been to court and punished when scandal broke out.

A single man who was police officer, Paween Ponsirin, did his job, but let down.

He had many government officials on blacklist, so you threaten to kill him.

Sadly TIT, but look at other countries, same or other s***

Last year 6900 Americans were working on coming to "my country" and was said we already had 50000 of them.

Actor Clooney is living in France, probably with many other Americans?

Over 13,000 French residence permits were granted to American nationals in 2024.

They are spreading like grasshoppers, 555

ANd then im not even talking about amounts of Africa, which come with totally nothing

IF I want to invite just one person for a period of time for holiday. Lots of efforts and then still answer NO.

That is "my country".We have opposite, if you are national, they will get you down on all.

Your son, daughter have to wait about 20 years before they get a house. But so called assailants are FIRST !

It is really crazy.

Have started to dislike "my country" , but where to go too otherwise?