What Do People Think Of The Dual Pricing In Thailand

[richoz]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

[lannarebirth]

I think you're the first person I've read about that's actually ever paid that much. In fact I didn't know the Thais were up to 40 baht now. I usually pay 20 or 30 baht, I forget which.

[mgjackson69]

If you are here on a work permit, show the permit and explain that you are a taxpayer, therefore you qualify for the Thai rate.

It has worked for me.

[roygsd]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

The reason they charge more is because they know you will pay it, if farangs refused to pay more than the ususal rate

these establishments would loose income, less income price goes up to thais in order to keep the thing afloat, thais stop going, after that they either recognise the folly of dual pricing or go bankrupt.

But of course we think it acceptable to be ripped off, dont we?

Roy GSd

Edited August 1, 2008 by roygsd

[john b good]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

First up, "I think it stinks"

Secondly, it has nothing what so ever with assuming that ALL Thai people are possibly poorer than All foreigners. It just boils down to undisguised greed by Thai's and Thailand. They want to milk every satang out of foreigners.

If I was faced with that charge I would say stick it up your ass and let my Thai passengers walk the additional whatever kilometres.

[richoz]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

First up, "I think it stinks"

Secondly, it has nothing what so ever with assuming that ALL Thai people are possibly poorer than All foreigners. It just boils down to undisguised greed by Thai's and Thailand. They want to milk every satang out of foreigners.

If I was faced with that charge I would say stick it up your ass and let my Thai passengers walk the additional whatever kilometres.

Brilliantly put.......

[cophen]

The reason they charge more is because they know you will pay it, if farangs refused to pay more than the ususal rate

these establishments would loose income, less income price goes up to thais in order to keep the thing afloat, thais stop going, after that they either recognise the folly of dual pricing or go bankrupt.

That's an argument that often fails when applied to government departments.

[Jingthing]

I stopped going to Muay Thai in Bangkok because of the double pricing. It makes me sick to be treated that way and it just isn't worth that much money to me. Alot of us are not as rich as they think, but yes, I know they don't give a fig.

Edited August 1, 2008 by Jingthing

[Bill97]

it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais

That is your assumption.

Dual pricing is often based on the concept that residents have paid for the facilities and maintenance with their taxes. Since foreigners have not made those payments for generations, they are charged more. It is practiced in many countries including developed ones.

I have no problem with the national park fees because a Thai drivers license usually equalizes them.

What really makes me lots of other expats angry is that we do not get 30 baht health care like the Thais. Doesn't that really piss you off too?

[Jingthing]

I am not angry that we don't get the 30 baht program. I wouldn't expect to be included in that unless I was a landed immigrant. I think there is some rationale to charge more for national parks, but for a place like Lumpini Boxing stadium, there is no rationale except filthy greed.

Edited August 1, 2008 by Jingthing

[richoz]

it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais

That is your assumption.

Dual pricing is often based on the concept that residents have paid for the facilities and maintenance with their taxes. Since foreigners have not made those payments for generations, they are charged more. It is practiced in many countries including developed ones.

I have no problem with the national park fees because a Thai drivers license usually equalizes them.

What really makes me lots of other expats angry is that we do not get 30 baht health care like the Thais. Doesn't that really piss you off too?

But arent countries supposed to promote tourism.. what message does that send.?.. Be man and accept it for what it is, a blatant discriminatory cash-grab... Tell me about the other countries that do this practice.

[Sledge71]

it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais

That is your assumption.

Dual pricing is often based on the concept that residents have paid for the facilities and maintenance with their taxes. Since foreigners have not made those payments for generations, they are charged more. It is practiced in many countries including developed ones.

I have no problem with the national park fees because a Thai drivers license usually equalizes them.

What really makes me lots of other expats angry is that we do not get 30 baht health care like the Thais. Doesn't that really piss you off too?

But arent countries supposed to promote tourism.. what message does that send.?.. Be man and accept it for what it is, a blatant discriminatory cash-grab... Tell me about the other countries that do this practice.

At home OAP's and children enjoy subsidized pricing, that's p#ssed me off for years Also it's 900% and what's that amongst friends....

[mgjackson69]

<snip>

What really makes me lots of other expats angry is that we do not get 30 baht health care like the Thais. Doesn't that really piss you off too?

Not one bit...I have been inside a 30-baht hospital, thank <insert favorite diety> not as a patient or customer.

On that occasion, after we left, I told my wife, "If I am ever injured and this is the closest hospital, just leave me lay in the road."

[mgjackson69]

... Alot of us are not as rich as they think, but yes, I know they don't give a fig.

Oh come now...do you not know that every Thai is sure that in Farangland, the streets are paved with gold and every house has a money tree in the backyard?

[mgjackson69]

...I think there is some rationale to charge more for national parks, but for a place like Lumpini Boxing stadium, there is no rationale except filthy greed.

Exactly so, it is nothing but greed.

All we can do in that situation is vote with our feet, which you have done. Good on you!

[Cobalt60]

Has anyone ever tried to get the 'official' reason as to this from a government minister or official. Seems like there is a lot of complaining about quite a lot of government policies, but I cant recall seeing any statements from elected politicians as to their views, policies or reasons.

Are we allowed to ask anyone?

[rixalex]

What do i think about dual pricing?

Surely not another thread.

[Bill97]

it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais

That is your assumption.

Dual pricing is often based on the concept that residents have paid for the facilities and maintenance with their taxes. Since foreigners have not made those payments for generations, they are charged more. It is practiced in many countries including developed ones.

I have no problem with the national park fees because a Thai drivers license usually equalizes them.

What really makes me lots of other expats angry is that we do not get 30 baht health care like the Thais. Doesn't that really piss you off too?

But arent countries supposed to promote tourism.. what message does that send.?.. Be man and accept it for what it is, a blatant discriminatory cash-grab... Tell me about the other countries that do this practice.

Be a man and accept it? I am quite content as a woman. You do not know of other countries that provide services at one cost for citizens and a higher cost for non citizens?

You really live in a world of "supposed to"?

[shepsel]

Has anyone ever tried to get the 'official' reason as to this from a government minister or official. Seems like there is a lot of complaining about quite a lot of government policies, but I cant recall seeing any statements from elected politicians as to their views, policies or reasons.

Are we allowed to ask anyone?

There was an article in the Chiang Mai Mail a few weeks ago about dual pricing. The official position, I believe, is that it is disgusting, and that it is on the government's agenda to do something about it.

[mgjackson69]

... You do not know of other countries that provide services at one cost for citizens and a higher cost for non citizens?

That is an excellent point. In the USA, at the state-funded universities, most if not all have a separate tuition fee structure for in-state vs out-of-state students. The idea is that their, or their parents', tax dollars are helping to fund the university, therefore residents of that state will get a lower tuition rate, typically half the cost of "out-of-state".

Some adjoining states have instituted tuition reciprocity, whereby students from Nebraska, for example, pay in-state tuition rates in Kansas, and vice-versa.

I do not think there is anything wrong with governments charging non-residents (read: non-taxpayers) more for services. However, when the private sector does so, it is nothing but blatant greed.

[ollylama]

i thought they'd dropped the price back down to 200 baht for national park entry. or are some parks still 400 and others 200? or am i utterly mistaken about them having dropped it to 200? thought i heard lots of people saying they dropped it a few months ago or so.

[haybilly]

If you are here on a work permit, show the permit and explain that you are a taxpayer, therefore you qualify for the Thai rate.

It has worked for me.

Just show a Thai driving licence.

[Ulysses G.]

I refuse to go anywhere that charges foreigners more than locals and I don't feel like I've missed very much.

[KevinHunt]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

There are plenty of rich Thais and I'm sure that the Thais have noticed them too. So it doesn't automatically assume anything.

Maybe your assumed 'ALL' should be 'MOST'. But maybe we shouldn't make such negative assumptions in the first place. If we don't understand something we shouldn't automatically assume the worst.

That may look like paranoia and before you know it peolple are talking about

'nothing but greed' (mgjackson69)

'blatant greed'. (mgjackson69)

'every Thai is sure that in Farangland, the streets are paved with gold and every house has a money tree in the backyard' (mgjackson69)

Not exactly balanced, thoughtful arguments.

It may be a quaint form of socialism with no ill-will intended - those that are more able to pay more (such as Rich Oz) , subsidising the less fortunate (me - I have a Thai driving lisence) . Nothing wrong with that!

It may be plain and simple 'laws of supply and demand' economics. Most Thais couldn't afford 400 baht whereas most Foreigners can. I know if I were to pay only 40 baht to enter a Natinal Park I would probably feel that I've been under-charged. Whereas 400 baht may be too much depending on what is being offered.

A manager at Mandalay Bar told me that the reason they charged 300 baht entrance fee to foreigners was - to use his words 'Mai ow Farang' - we don't want foreigners!! That is plain and clear. No need to make assumptions.

However, I don't think that the National parks or private establishments such as the boxing stadium think that way. I credit them with some degree of business sense. They are obviously aiming to maximise revenue . They just have a different approach to pricing than me. I'll let you know when I've figured it out.

PS : To save me going to the other threads

'Dinner Tonight ' : Fish and chips

'It's Raining' : It stopped, but it just started again.

Edited August 1, 2008 by KevinHUNT

[Bill97]

the reason they charged 300 baht entrance fee to foreigners was - to use his words 'Mai ow Farang' - we don't want foreigners!! That is plain and clear.

So perhaps they just do not like farangs (and it is not greed).

After reading many of the posts on this thread, one can see why.

Where is the Mandalay Bar? I would like to meet that manager.

[ovenman]

Where is the Mandalay Bar? I would like to meet that manager.

Sounds like he doesn't have any desire to meet you (or me for that matter!).

[Bill97]

Where is the Mandalay Bar? I would like to meet that manager.

Sounds like he doesn't have any desire to meet you (or me for that matter!).

Interesting conclusion you made and assumptions you brought in. Was the manager described as telling his own reason or the reason of "they" who set the prices?

[Heng]

I think your best bet is to self soothe and rationalize that these places (and possibly the entire country) will go bankrupt without your patronage.

...Just don't go back and visit again in 20+ years to see the prices have all gone up in proportion and doh! they're still in business!

Edited August 1, 2008 by Heng

[Mapguy]

I know many people have differing views on this topic, but I would very much like to hear what other people views are.

I have just returned from a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park. As many would know the entry fee for Thai nationals is 40baht, whereas foreigners pay 400baht (1000% more).

My own view is that is that it is highly unfair, as it automatically assumes that ALL thai people are possibly poorer than ALL foreigners, so the foreigners therefore somehow subsidise the Thais, and is a 1000% mark-up fair at that. Was interested to see that with all the extra money they earn of the back of foreigners, they couldnt even erect a few information signs in languages other than Thai.

First up, "I think it stinks"

Secondly, it has nothing what so ever with assuming that ALL Thai people are possibly poorer than All foreigners. It just boils down to undisguised greed by Thai's and Thailand. They want to milk every satang out of foreigners.

If I was faced with that charge I would say stick it up your ass and let my Thai passengers walk the additional whatever kilometres.

Gee whiz, guy! Lighten up!

[menostay]

Many among Costa Rica's population knew that the police targeted tourists for petty "fines" and people overcharged tourists.

It occured to government officials and was then well publicised that one tourist meant one job for one Costa Rican for one year. Therefore, it was in their interest to treat tourists as guests and not targets.

I was not there but was told of a travel club meeting where a group of 25 or so was planning a trip to China and a side trip to Thailand. One of the group stood up and explained the overcharging in Thailand GOVERNMENT controlled parks and so the group went to Viet Nam. Scratch 25 jobs for 25 Thais for a year. If they only could see how others see their policies.........