No Dual Pricing For Genuine Thai Residents

[gamini]

I am a permanent resident of Thailand and I never have to pay any more than Thais when I show my residence. But I have to pay income tax in spite of being retired. Whereas those who live here on extended visas including retirees pay no tax. You can't have it both ways.

[Rimmer]

Not specific to Pattaya so we can move to General forum where the topic will get a lot more interest

[saengsureeya]

People who are able to show a Thai driving license, work permit, copy of tabien baan, tax card, social security card or any other prove that they are a resident of Thailand will often get the same price as Thais.

[edwinchester]

I am a permanent resident of Thailand and I never have to pay any more than Thais when I show my residence. But I have to pay income tax in spite of being retired. Whereas those who live here on extended visas including retirees pay no tax. You can't have it both ways.

Buy a car you pay tax.

Buy a motorcycle you pay tax.

Buy virtually any goods and you pay tax.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[NewlyMintedThai]

People who are able to show a Thai driving license, work permit, copy of tabien baan, tax card, social security card or any other prove that they are a resident of Thailand will often get the same price as Thais.

Often, not always.

[ableguy]

I am a permanent resident of Thailand and I never have to pay any more than Thais when I show my residence. But I have to pay income tax in spite of being retired. Whereas those who live here on extended visas including retirees pay no tax. You can't have it both ways.

Buy a car you pay tax.

Buy a motorcycle you pay tax.

Buy virtually any goods and you pay tax.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

The girls pay tax ?

[rinteln]

A similar discussion was happening on the Pattaya forum In regards to a new theme park opened and they were charging more for "foreigners".

If and I say if foreigners being charged more for things was a resident issue then I think that would be fair enough but it isn't. For example if someone from Vietnam rocked up and obviously looked Thai then they would get Thai prices. Why, because they look Asian, or more exact oriental Asian. Same for Loas, Cambodians etc etc.

Staff don't stand at park entrances or other events and ask everyone for their Thais ID cards so its quite obvious that the criteria is if you dont look like them then you are a foreigner and hence pay more.

Don't forget that the general definition for being a "farang" is not for someone who comes from anywhere outside Thailand (as it should be) but rather if you are Caucasian. We all know what Thais call a black man, we all know they call Arabs, simply Alabs. Sometimes they refer to a black man as a Farang but not always. Divisions are quite obvious and its this culture that is carried through to their national decisions such as tax etc etc.

Bottom line thinking for everything from paying more for your chicken & rice, paying more to see the crocodile show or more taxes is, your have more money so you pay more money.

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[mauGR1]

People who are able to show a Thai driving license, work permit, copy of tabien baan, tax card, social security card or any other prove that they are a resident of Thailand will often get the same price as Thais.

Often, not always.

Yep, when visited Wat Phra Kaew for example, i paid 400 like any tourist..But it was worth every single Baht..Happy to contribute to the huge maintainance bills

[Pseudolus]

Do they charges black and Indian people more then? I assume so but don't know. Also, is there a rating system for how much more to extort from people based on their race?

[rinteln]

Do they charges black and Indian people more then? I assume so but don't know. Also, is there a rating system for how much more to extort from people based on their race?

Its simply if you don't look like them, as I mentioned earlier if a person from Cambodia rocked up then they would more than likely get Thai prices but of course by definition they are a tourist so they shouldn't. If its not racist then literally any tourist would be charged the same no matter what they look like. To me the fact that doesn't happen simply means its a racist issue. Maybe not deliberate but deliberate or through ignorance is the same in my book.

Not really sure there is rating system, I think that may be giving them too much credit in the way of intelligence and forward thinking. Its simply just as above. Anyone who has lived here for even a few months would of been a situation where they have paid more for something just from being a "farang"

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[NewlyMintedThai]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

[PattayaParent]

People who are able to show a Thai driving license, work permit, copy of tabien baan, tax card, social security card or any other prove that they are a resident of Thailand will often get the same price as Thais.

Often, not always.

For example I've never had anyone accept my tax card but my driving licence is always accepted.

[NewlyMintedThai]

People who are able to show a Thai driving license, work permit, copy of tabien baan, tax card, social security card or any other prove that they are a resident of Thailand will often get the same price as Thais.

Often, not always.

For example I've never had anyone accept my tax card but my driving licence is always accepted.

Won't work at Grand Palace or Lumpinee Boxing ring.

[PattayaParent]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

True, happened to my wife in some places until she got her Thai licence although some places accepted my license for Thai entry for the family.

[rinteln]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

There will be always be exceptions and these are always the ones who come up but its not the exceptions that count. Its the concept. If 100 Loas, Cambodians and Malays all rocked up throughout the day to an attraction i bet at least 80 odd would get through on Thai prices. Anyway the number doesnt matter its the concept.

Even if what we are talking about happened ONCE in any of our countries there would be outrage. So Europe and US being the benchmark I think we can agree its a bit more than nationality.

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[NewlyMintedThai]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

[rinteln]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

How many people is not the point though is it. But anyway, quite a few to answer your question. What about all those Loas girlfriends that act as Thai. I cant tell the difference. Its not just attractions anyway is it. What about food, taxis.

Well if you can tell then you are obviously very skilled and would love to test you out. I wonder how you would get on with 100 random photos of Asean people and you could tell us all how many are Thai and not. I have travelled up and down Thailand and all look so different within themselves let alone other countries. The white skin healthy of Bangkok, through to the dark skin of Hat Yai and then the Chinese looking Chiang Mai residents though to the Cambodian looking Isaan people. Most would struggle with that let alone getting onto nearby countries.

If you could stand at a queue and get a big enough percentage correct then I would be amazed.

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[PattayaParent]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

Language is the big giveaway, when buying tickets the staff don't want to talk to the Farang they want to talk to the Thai missus, and when she's not Thai they will charge the tourist price although I've only ever had this happen at Mini Siam and the Butterfly Farm, other places have given the Thai price as a family (Nong Nooch, Dolphin Show, Tiger Zoo, Open Zoo, Underwater World, Siam Ocean World).

As you say though the Grand Palace is free for Thai nationals only, maybe a Farang with a Thai passport can get in free?

[rinteln]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

Language is the big giveaway, when buying tickets the staff don't want to talk to the Farang they want to talk to the Thai missus, and when she's not Thai they will charge the tourist price although I've only ever had this happen at Mini Siam and the Butterfly Farm, other places have given the Thai price as a family (Nong Nooch, Dolphin Show, Tiger Zoo, Open Zoo, Underwater World, Siam Ocean World).

As you say though the Grand Palace is free for Thai nationals only, maybe a Farang with a Thai passport can get in free?

True, language would be a big give away but that's even if that comes up or enough is being said. Plenty of Loas, Cambodians and others can speak very good Thai and look very similar. Again that's even if it gets to a conversation. Again though whether it comes up once a week or many times is not the point. Its the concept that the division exists that is the problem. Division is what I am talking about. Or the possibility of it.

As I said before this doesn't exist in any benchmark countries and one would hope that would be enough of an example to prove my point. I am British but I wouldn't get, or expect a discount to Buckingham Palace just because I am British and in the same token I would be annoyed to find out that a Chinese looking American friend of mine gets charged more. One because it would be out of order and two because it would be ridiculous and impossible to manage. A London black cab through default would not give me a discount because I look European and charge a Japanese guy more because he looks different. If you are going to set a law, or set of rules about a nationality paying more then that's all well and good but at least make sure its consistant and that you can police it. Otherwise it comes down to people's lazy interpretation which is exactly what happens day in and day out.

Hopefully my point is slowly getting over.

Anyone who either thinks that Thais manage this strictly by nationality with effect or that this doesn't even go on must either live in some kind of enclosed resort or perhaps have too much money to worry about it which of course always gives you a different view on things.

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[NewlyMintedThai]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

Language is the big giveaway, when buying tickets the staff don't want to talk to the Farang they want to talk to the Thai missus, and when she's not Thai they will charge the tourist price although I've only ever had this happen at Mini Siam and the Butterfly Farm, other places have given the Thai price as a family (Nong Nooch, Dolphin Show, Tiger Zoo, Open Zoo, Underwater World, Siam Ocean World).

As you say though the Grand Palace is free for Thai nationals only, maybe a Farang with a Thai passport can get in free?

Yes, one definitely can.

[NewlyMintedThai]

The attractions don't operate like police states and demand ID of everyone. If you are an Asian who keeps his mouth shut and doesn't stick out as a tourist, you can sometimes slip in. If you are Asian and can be spotted as an obvious non-Thai you will be confronted and made to pay the tourist price. We've been through this a thousand times already, but the racist card does not stick. It is a pricing system based on nationality that can sometimes be breached by an Asian mistaken for a Thai.

I agree with some of what you said but how can it be a nationality thing. So by definition you are saying that food vendors, attraction gates, taxi motorbike guys etc etc can tell the difference between and Thai and a Loas, or a Cambodian or Vietnam by looking at them. Well I've been here for a 7 years and I cant tell by looking at someone whether they are Thai or not. If you can then great but I doubt most of the above can.

How many individual tourists from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos do you think regularly pitch up at the Dolphin Show? And yes, I can usually tell. Clothing, haircuts, body language, grooming -- very big differences.

How many people is not the point though is it. But anyway, quite a few to answer your question. What about all those Loas girlfriends that act as Thai. I cant tell the difference. Its not just attractions anyway is it. What about food, taxis.

What about food and taxis? I've never encountered a meter that jumped faster for farangs or a menu that had higher prices for farang.

[rinteln]

@

NewlyMintedThai

Well you must be a lucky few then who has apparently never been charged more for anything in Thailand than you should of.

So lets get exact about this as you keep referring to just your own experiences which of course is not general enough to solve a debate about a country's culture.

Are you saying that any of the above that I have mentioned never goes on ? If so then that will be incredible. If you agree it does go on, even in a small way then we are at last in agreement as surely you know it wouldn't be the right thing.

To make it easier I will simplify it in an example :

UK, a benchmark successful country with a set of morals, rules and equalities that have/do set standards worldwide. Does the above happen as the norm or even sometimes, no !! Conclusion, more than likely the UK has it right. Does it happen in Thailand, yes !!! Is Thailand a successful standard setting country with influence in the world, no !!

End conclusion, hopefully point nearly but painfully getting through.

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[garrya]

I always pay the thai price. Whenever we go to ticket booths selling tickets for farangs on higher price I always give them a bit of the dirty look (nothing serious), speak to them in thai saying i am ผู้ใหญ่ and resident and my wife confirms it. Never had a problem.

[F1fanatic]

So the point of this thread 'no dual pricing for expats who are "permanent residents" - is actually about government controlled parks?

The only other items addressed (by Newly MInted Thai) are taxis and food. Metered taxis are hard to find (IME), but you are right insofar as the big supermarkets that label their produce with prices, charge the same for everyone. Try the market and, if you know what it should cost, you might get a suprise...

[sharky1]

Went to Nong Nooch tropical garden this week with an Indonesian guy. Told him to keep his mouth shut. I spoke with the guards and showed my Thai license and said "I'm here with my Thai boyfriend." I am also male so they wanted nothing to do with this "gay" couple and we both were let in at Thai prices without an interrogation of my "partner." That's a savings of 600 baht between 2 foreigners.

[rinteln]

I always pay the thai price. Whenever we go to ticket booths selling tickets for farangs on higher price I always give them a bit of the dirty look (nothing serious), speak to them in thai saying i am ผู้ใหญ่ and resident and my wife confirms it. Never had a problem.

Excellent and that's good but at least you do know it happens as you mentioned higher prices for farangs and the dirty look.

[NewlyMintedThai]

@

NewlyMintedThai

Well you must be a lucky few then who has apparently never been charged more for anything in Thailand than you should of.

So lets get exact about this as you keep referring to just your own experiences which of course is not general enough to solve a debate about a country's culture.

Are you saying that any of the above that I have mentioned never goes on ? If so then that will be incredible. If you agree it does go on, even in a small way then we are at last in agreement as surely you know it wouldn't be the right thing.

To make it easier I will simplify it in an example :

UK, a benchmark successful country with a set of morals, rules and equalities that have/do set standards worldwide. Does the above happen as the norm or even sometimes, no !! Conclusion, more than likely the UK has it right. Does it happen in Thailand, yes !!! Is Thailand a successful standard setting country with influence in the world, no !!

End conclusion, hopefully point nearly but painfully getting through.

I've paid foreigner prices at tourist attractions, but never in a taxi or restaurant. Maybe that happens here, but it's never happened to me. That's all I'm saying

[beano2274]

Haven't paid foreigner prices for a long time now, someone at Wat Po, tried it with me, just got my Thai DL out and okay.

If you are Asian looking it happens that you will get in for the Thai price, just luck.

[rinteln]

So the point of this thread 'no dual pricing for expats who are "permanent residents" - is actually about government controlled parks?

The only other items addressed (by Newly MInted Thai) are taxis and food. Metered taxis are hard to find (IME), but you are right insofar as the big supermarkets that label their produce with prices, charge the same for everyone. Try the market and, if you know what it should cost, you might get a suprise...

Exactly correct. I wonder if Newlymintedthai has ever tried to jump into a metered cab in Pattaya. If he doesn't know my point by now he would sure find out if he jumped in one of those.

Again the market is a good example. These guys sell food all day yet they need to think of answer when a farang says "how much"..lol

Edited April 1, 2012 by rinteln

[rinteln]

@

NewlyMintedThai

Well you must be a lucky few then who has apparently never been charged more for anything in Thailand than you should of.

So lets get exact about this as you keep referring to just your own experiences which of course is not general enough to solve a debate about a country's culture.

Are you saying that any of the above that I have mentioned never goes on ? If so then that will be incredible. If you agree it does go on, even in a small way then we are at last in agreement as surely you know it wouldn't be the right thing.

To make it easier I will simplify it in an example :

UK, a benchmark successful country with a set of morals, rules and equalities that have/do set standards worldwide. Does the above happen as the norm or even sometimes, no !! Conclusion, more than likely the UK has it right. Does it happen in Thailand, yes !!! Is Thailand a successful standard setting country with influence in the world, no !!

End conclusion, hopefully point nearly but painfully getting through.

I've paid foreigner prices at tourist attractions, but never in a taxi or restaurant. Maybe that happens here, but it's never happened to me. That's all I'm saying

Ill take your first sentence has agreement that this does happen and ill take your lack of answer to my direct question that you know its not right that it happens.

Progress of a kind.