Paragon Ocean World Ripoff

[GizmoBKK]

...

They have the right to charge different prices from different people.

...

Interesting: have they???

Sure...speaking in general terms, a business can charge whatever they want

Many countries have a kind of "anti-discrimination-law". I was just wondering if anything similar exists in Thailand.

[Jingthing]

Many countries have a kind of "anti-discrimination-law". I was just wondering if anything similar exists in Thailand.

I suppose not.

[citizen33]

Many countries have a kind of "anti-discrimination-law". I was just wondering if anything similar exists in Thailand.

I suppose not.

My assumption is not. In Europe some countries such as the UK have specific anti-discrimination legislation and there are also general provisions concerned with the single market, like article 17 of the Treaty. There was a recent case about which I posted a link on the earlier thread that would seem to make H90's example from Austria illegitimate. I think the problem is that the different national jurisdictions haven't all necessarily moved into line yet, but I think they are slowly getting there. This year there is Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council No 1008/08 of 24 September 2008, which prohibits discriminatory pricing of air fares based on nationality or place of residence.

[h90]

West Austria, for skiing, the same.

Never been there, but I seriously doubt if you showed them valid ID showing you were a local resident you would not get the resident's price, even if your accent was from Berlin. That is not what happens here. That is why it is wrong.

Well we don't have ID cards showing address. The "cities" there are typical very small. Depends on the guy on the counter, up to his mood.

Also on these touristic restaurants on the mountains there are different prices.

Pretty common.

[h90]

Many countries have a kind of "anti-discrimination-law". I was just wondering if anything similar exists in Thailand.

I suppose not.

My assumption is not. In Europe some countries such as the UK have specific anti-discrimination legislation and there are also general provisions concerned with the single market, like article 17 of the Treaty. There was a recent case about which I posted a link on the earlier thread that would seem to make H90's example from Austria illegitimate. I think the problem is that the different national jurisdictions haven't all necessarily moved into line yet, but I think they are slowly getting there. This year there is Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council No 1008/08 of 24 September 2008, which prohibits discriminatory pricing of air fares based on nationality or place of residence.

My example was from somewhere 1997-1999, things might have changed meanwhile.

[Neeranam]

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Farang Adult - 850 abht, Thai adult 350 baht.

Farang kid - 650 baht, Thai kid 250 baht.

...

Does it say "Farang" or "Tourist" or "Non-Thai"? - because there is a difference.

I disagree with this "dual-pricing" anyway and usually avoid such places, especially when they write the Thai price using Thai characters - it is so obvious that they are trying to hide the price difference to the non-Thais.

The Thai bit just says 'poo yai' (adult) and 'dek' (child) and specifies 80-120 cm (height) for the latter. In English it says adult and child with the same height range. It seems doubly sneaky not to even say Thai and non-Thai adult/child, but just to use language and English/Thai numerals to conceal the different pricing.

Do you really expect them to say this in English?

Accept the fact that Thais only want us for our money or you'll time here will be miserable.

Learn the language and get around more and you'll see it everywhere.

[citizen33]

Do you really expect them to say this in English?

Accept the fact that Thais only want us for our money or you'll time here will be miserable.

Learn the language and get around more and you'll see it everywhere.

I seem to remember on the last thread you wittering on to the effect that you had never seen the word 'farang' on a price list. Now, when somebody translates a price list correctly, you find fault with something else. The point I was making was not that the person descriptors were in Thai or English but that each used simply the term 'adult' or 'child' (but in different languages) to avoid the tricky task of coming up with some non-discriminatory identifiers. Then you again boast about your language proficiency. Do you think you are the only one on here who has a smattering of Thai?

[JetsetBkk]

Neeranam > < Citizen33

[eggomaniac]

another pathetic cry baby making a big deal about $16 measly dollars -

[citizen33]

another pathetic cry baby making a big deal about $16 measly dollars -

It is true that sixteen Canadian dollars isn't a big deal!

[eggomaniac]

Third class is okay with you, though??? HUH?

All the whining, cheap, backpackers and sex tourists who Post in here how the taxi driver 'ripped them off' for $5 and where they can get a luxury beach side resort for $10 are pathetic losers.

What about ALL the GM, Ford and Chrysler employees, and their cousins who don't even work there, who get vehicles at $$thousands less than the rest of us.

What about Fair Trade? The WONDERFUL tourists do NOT pay world standard rates; instead want everytthing CHEAP and cheap wages for the Thais.

A $30 hotel room in Thailand that costs $300 in NY or London is disgraceful Dual pricing , racist and insulting!!! The cheap OP was talking about a $30 price for something that would cost him $100 in his own country. ((keep the Thais down so you can afford being cheap, cheap, cheep) If you think the Thais have to pay 'tourist' prices, even though they are not farangs; they should get FARANG WAGES!!! cheep cheep cheep

its BOYCOTT stupid

Dual pricing is disgraceful, racist and insulting considering foreigners put so much into the Thai economy. Last year I noticed that some National Parks reduced their prices to a more reasonable figure so I visited 2 of them. Ticket issuers USED TO acknowledge years' visas, Thai driving licences etc.; but not now. The only recourse we have is to veto those places with dual pricing rates.

[eggomaniac]

pssstttt... hey Kojack want a deal?? Christmas sale in London Bhat 3000

go FOR it!!!

Different price in Thai and in English.

Farang Adult - 850 abht, Thai adult 350 baht.

Farang kid - 650 baht, Thai kid 250 baht.

---- oh Wahhhhh

[GuestHouse]

I'm at a loss to understand on what basis people who object to being discriminated against can be regarded as 'pathetic losers'

If, on the other hand, one was to refer to people who accept being discriminated against as pathetic losers I might be inclined to agree.

What goes on in a guys head when he feels the need to justify the actions of others discriminating against him is beyond me.

By all means, bend over and be shafted, if that is your particular pleasure in life.

[DP25]

The cheap OP was talking about a $30 price for something that would cost him $100 in his own country.

Not true at all. Lets take the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the premier aquariums and marine biology centers in the world. The Paragon aquarium is 850 baht, which currently would be $23.62. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is located in one of the richest areas in the world, charges $24.95. There is also no difference in price based on skin colour, passport, language proficiency, or wealth. And this is a major research center, not just a fish tank in the bottom of a shopping mall.

http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/

[Jingthing]

Atlanta, the largest aquarium in the world, similar price to Monterey. There is no comparison between these among the best aquariums in the world and the rinky dinky Bangkok mall basement joint. They really have their nerve.

[Neeranam]

Do you really expect them to say this in English?

Accept the fact that Thais only want us for our money or you'll time here will be miserable.

Learn the language and get around more and you'll see it everywhere.

I seem to remember on the last thread you wittering on to the effect that you had never seen the word 'farang' on a price list. Now, when somebody translates a price list correctly, you find fault with something else. The point I was making was not that the person descriptors were in Thai or English but that each used simply the term 'adult' or 'child' (but in different languages) to avoid the tricky task of coming up with some non-discriminatory identifiers. Then you again boast about your language proficiency. Do you think you are the only one on here who has a smattering of Thai?

What thread? I never said such a thing.

When did I boast about my language proficiency? It certainly nothing to boast about.

[kojack99]

pssstttt... hey Kojack want a deal?? Christmas sale in London Bhat 3000

go FOR it!!!

Different price in Thai and in English.

Farang Adult - 850 abht, Thai adult 350 baht.

Farang kid - 650 baht, Thai kid 250 baht.

---- oh Wahhhhh

As I said it's not the amount of the money, it's the principle to avoid places with dual price policy...

And yea, you're more than welcome to pay them 2-3-4 times more....even 10 times more if you so support their actions...

[citizen33]

What thread? I never said such a thing.

When did I boast about my language proficiency? It certainly nothing to boast about.

Sorry, I have to hold my hands up and admit to a case of mistaken identity. The earlier thread is pretty much a duplicate of this one, but with a few added bits such a a letter from the CEO of Ocean World. One of the posters makes the remarks I falsely attributed to you, saying basically that the moaners don't understand what is happening because they can't read Thai.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Siam-Ocean-W...;hl=Ocean+world

Edited December 6, 2008 by citizen33

[gregb]

as this has been explained in the other thread by an email from the ceo or similarly high up in the company, showing any form of thai identification gets you the resident price.

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to reiterate: Siam ocean world will give you a resisdent rate if you show them something that establishes you as a resident.

OK. I wasn't aware that was their policy. Under those circumstances I withdraw my objection. A business is certainly entitled to offer discounts to locals, as they are much more likely to be repeat customers. I think it is difficult to argue that incentives such as this are unfair. As long as the same incentive is offered to all residents, regardless of nationality or skin color.

Truthfully though, if this is their policy, it should be clearly displayed so everyone understands. That would stop most of these complaints. The fact that it isn't stated openly makes everyone jump to conclusions.

[eggomaniac]

And this in a shopping center catering for the super wealthy in Thailand!

so what was kojack doing there? got off the 3 cent public bus at the wrong stop?

[eggomaniac]

And this in a shopping center catering for the super wealthy in Thailand!

so what was kojack doing there? got off the 3 cent public bus at the wrong stop?

----------- he should head back to Hawaii!!!

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tickets.htm

There are MANY deals for locals here in Canada at galleries, museums, ferries, shopping centers, and I have never seen a German, Japanese, or Thai tourist crying about 'double pricing'. Foreigners pay more for education, too.

[eggomaniac]

okay RIP OFF ??,,, great headline!!

should be investigated by the United Nations, I'm sure. a real 'travesty'

Things are 'almost' as bad at this place in Canada

http://www.scienceworld.ca/hours_rates.html

for one thing SINGLES are discriminated against!!! just look at the saving families get!!!

isn't there some anti discriminatory legislation?

but just LOOK at the break locals get!!! LOOK why should they get Omnimax at 1/2 price?

after so many visits the membership is paid and they get to attend for FREE

how is THAT fair? worse than Thailand and Canada is a developed country.

all tourists should boycott or was it 'veto' science world, even Canada

stay away from Canada and Thailand you think?

is there any justice anywhere in this world? any place that is fair?

where can we run and not get SHAFTED???

The Museum in Victoria allows residents FREE on Tuesdays...

WHAT is this world coming to???

please pass me that crying bucket waaAaAaAaAaHhHHH

[DP25]

OK. I wasn't aware that was their policy. Under those circumstances I withdraw my objection. A business is certainly entitled to offer discounts to locals, as they are much more likely to be repeat customers. I think it is difficult to argue that incentives such as this are unfair. As long as the same incentive is offered to all residents, regardless of nationality or skin color.

Truthfully though, if this is their policy, it should be clearly displayed so everyone understands. That would stop most of these complaints. The fact that it isn't stated openly makes everyone jump to conclusions.

Their pricing, at least at the ticket booth and on the webpage, says nothing about non Thai residents with ID cards being offered Thai prices. The prices are printed in two different systems, which is intended to deny the non Thai literate the knowledge that they are being charged more. Their pricing simply says Adult and Child, in two different languages, at two different prices. And it's not like this aquarium is funded by Thai tax payer baht. It's run by an Australian company, and they are engaging in policy that would be illegal back in Oz.

[Lizard]

http://www.siamoceanworld.co.th/visitor_in...ation/price.htm

Thought go and visit there then log on to their web site looking for price and found this scam.

Different price in Thai and in English.

Farang Adult - 850 abht, Thai adult 350 baht.

Farang kid - 650 baht, Thai kid 250 baht.

And more than that they're trying to hide it by print the Thai price in Thai words and not in numbers.

Didn't realize that a respected place like paragon will act like a stall in the market... but I guess they're all the same...

You can contact them through their web site, and complain, thou it really won't make any difference, like they really care, but it will make you feel better doing so.

[Dakhar]

".....Foreigners pay more for education, too. "

I do not know about all univ. around the world, but in America, the above statement is not accurate.

There is a price difference between "state and non state" residency students. For example, if I live/reside in Texas, I get cheaper rates than a student from Michigan. This is because I have paid taxes in the state of Texas.

I bet folks here do not know, that in America, if you are over 65, you qualify for medicare medical prices, no matter if you are not an American or not. Medicare prices are discounted by about 60-80%

Regarding Thailands childish dual price system....

I vote with my feet. I simply refuse to go in... I cause a scene and lose face yada yada yada.... but I really do not care. I will not be a victim.

B

[Jimjim]

It's funny because as I noted before on a similar thread, the price was the same for both Thai and foreigners when Siam Ocean World opened. It was 450 baht for all adults, Thai and non-Thais. Now it looks as if Thais are getting in for 100 baht less than when it opened, although six months ago or so even Thais had to pay something like 500 baht and foreigners about the same as now. So they've changed the price a lot, and now it's more ridiculous than ever.

Edit: I think somebody should get together those that want to protest and do a sit in like the PAD did with Government House. You wouldn't get arrested, right?

But seriously, I would join a farang-led protest as long as Thai friends were mixed in, and all the foreigners were not working illegally in the country (i.e. the protest would carry more wait if it were foreigners working in Thailand with the proper paperwork instead of just tourists and you would not have to worry about getting kicked out of the country as the police may be called to break up the protest). Go in with placards down to the basement entrance of the aquarium like "This Ain't Atlanta or Monterrey Bay, Don't Rip Us Off, That's What We Say!" Ya, I just thought of that on the spot so I know it's silly. Get at least a hundred people and get somebody who has friends in the news and get it on the news. It'd be great. With the whole PAD thing, seems protest like this is accepted in Thailand, right? I don't know the rules completely but even if the police wanted to arrest the foreigners protesting, it would not be anything to get kicked out of the country on, and probably just a small fine. Since inside would be private property, you would be kicked out by security, but a hundred strong people would be hard to kick out. Refuse to leave until the "final battle" of stopping dual pricing is won. And if it doesn't work inside a private mall like Paragon, take it to the streets outside the mall where that should be an issue. I'm in, is anybody else? I'll just need to find some magic money to get me a plane ticket to Bangkok from all the way around the world where I am now.

Edited December 7, 2008 by Jimjim

[tartempion]

You are charged the normal price. The Thais are given a well deserved discount.

Any farang making 150 baht a day?

My local swimming pool 10.000 kms from Bangkok shows this tariff:

Normal price: 2 euros

Entry fee for Thais only: 4 euros

[Dont Panic]

Here is a dream I keep having. People are queued to see the Grand Canyon. American pay $20 per head. A group of Thai's walk up. "Where are youi from?" the smiling attendant asks them "Thailand" they reply. Cool - that will be $400 per head.

How's that ajarn mark ? You like that idea too?

I believe the opposite would work better – “ If you’re Thai you only need to pay 50%. Why’s that? Well because you’re all poor......"

er…ok it’s not that funny but it’s kind of how foreigners are treated but in reverse…

I stated a similar thread a while back…

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Siam-Ocean-W...;hl=Ocean+world

I wrote to the Paragon and e-mailed them trying to get their reason for the policy…

Nothing.

I wrote to the Bangkok Post…

Nothing.

Mai pen rai……just have a moan on here

[taxexile]

all you apologists for this discriminatory pricing system are nothing more than misguided and weak suckers , walking like bleating lambs to the slaughter house calmly forking out double or treble the price that thais pay , (and in some cases thais whose wealth would make you look like paupers), for exactly the same service that they are receiving.

happy to be ripped off , smilingly handing over money to greedy operators , and going on and on about the poverty and the poor thais and how it is our duty to help these poor people out of their poverty.

so pay up suckers ! keep on supporting these millionnaire owners of siam paragon waterpark as they laugh all the way to the bank.

jiggle your swollen dripping udders all you cash cows as you march to the thai drum , reinforcing their belief that we are all rich with money to throw away without even thinking about it.

the idiot who posted " so what , its only 16 dollars" typifies the masses of patronising foriegners that come here , incorrectly seeing thailand as a poverty afflicted backwater , who are too weak and spineless to stand up and complain about this awful practice , yet would spend an afternoon coupon cutting back home to save 10c on a roll of toilet paper.

"oh , my daughter loves fish " says another poster. " so we paid and went" does your daughters love of fish extend to removing them from her diet ?

the more this gouging is accepted , the worse it will become.

hippocrites and fools.

[GuestHouse]

^ Well said Taxexile, although given that I suspect some twist of psychology is at play where these guys are so happy to be shafted, I think we need to be careful of mocking the afflicted.