Thai National Parks ordered to charge foreigners tenfold

[outboard]

like the Thai government it looks like Outboard is trying to defend the indefensible.

you have no logical support for your argument so you resort to insulting me because I taught you what the international definition of racism is!

well done champ

you got me good there

[Shadychris]

deleted going off topic

Well it's a shame you deleted that as it looked like we were actually making some progress...

For the benefit of the discussion allow me to paste your response regarding the UK Universities charging International students more than UK students as I think it is important and not actually going off topic as it relates directly as to whether the 2 tier pricing structure in Thailand is actually 'discriminatory'

All EU citizens qualify for the lower university fees. Turkish and Swiss nationals whose parents are resident in UK can also qualify as can a number of overseas territories. As can refugees who may not have been granted refugee status but have been granted leave to stay in the UK.

However I do agree fees should be the same for all.

It is wrong to charge different fees for the same education, based solely on nationality.

Ability to pay, well that's a different thing, but that also should not be conditioned by nationality.

Now that is rather interesting, as you (and others) have repeatedly claimed before that the UK does not engage in 2 tier pricing because you 'believed' it to be illegal and discriminatory.

However I see you have now conveniently dropped the words 'illegal' and 'discriminatory' regarding this significantly important 2 tier price structure in the UK affecting the 500,000 international students who are able to afford the fees - let alone the possible millions more who cant afford them, and simply say it is 'wrong' and everyone should pay the same. In other words this is simply just your belief...

I assume you agree that the UK Government would not be condoning such treatment of a large number of foreign people by UK Universities if it were either illegal or discriminatory in law. I'm sure also you would also agree that the UK are champions of anti-discrimination legislation, and as as such it must therefore be perfectly legal and non-discriminatory for UK Universities to set these higher fees for International students.

All of which leaves the question of why you have consistently claimed that the Thai system of charging foreigners more than Thai residents is discrimination, when a similar large scale practice in the notoriously 'politically correct' UK is clearly not discrimination.

[tomacht8]

The sociology examines societal discrimination and differentiated here include between structural, institutional and linguistic discrimination. Thus, in contrast to the social-psychological research on prejudice it comes to social conditions and causes that are not reducible to individual settings. In the law, the term is more narrowly defined and refers only to the differentiation because of certain enumerative listed reasons. Sociology and law so use the term in a normative way.

Unequal treatment, inequality, unequal rights, discriminator

Social inequalities and social discrimination based on factors that influence are the stakeholders (right of access to education, income level, social behavior), tend to be more accepted or tolerated as not individually modifiable factors and triggers of discrimination (race, gender, disability, age . or sexual preferences), there is a high level of acceptance for favors that the position of other not deteriorate (Example: Adults without children are not disadvantaged by that children receive discounted or free admission to a facility).

As to reflect the different pricing for Students, if UK students fees are capped at £9k a year whilst foreign students will be charged £12k on average.
Then it is a dual price system.
Furthermore it is then a discrimination if the students get an identical product.
I doubt that.
Maybe the foreign students get special language courses, or the visa is included, etc.
The universities in the UK will not be give themselfs such an open-Flange with regard to a possible discrimination.
While the product: Entrance in a national park, is an absolutely identical product.

For example, if in the tourist price an English-speaking guide would be contained, then we would not have this discrimination discussion.

Anyway i do not want to go off topic from:

Thai-national-parks-ordered-to-charge-foreigners-tenfold

[Shadychris]

The sociology examines societal discrimination and differentiated here include between structural, institutional and linguistic discrimination. Thus, in contrast to the social-psychological research on prejudice it comes to social conditions and causes that are not reducible to individual settings. In the law, the term is more narrowly defined and refers only to the differentiation because of certain enumerative listed reasons. Sociology and law so use the term in a normative way.

Unequal treatment, inequality, unequal rights, discriminator

Social inequalities and social discrimination based on factors that influence are the stakeholders (right of access to education, income level, social behavior), tend to be more accepted or tolerated as not individually modifiable factors and triggers of discrimination (race, gender, disability, age . or sexual preferences), there is a high level of acceptance for favors that the position of other not deteriorate (Example: Adults without children are not disadvantaged by that children receive discounted or free admission to a facility).

As to reflect the different pricing for Students, if UK students fees are capped at £9k a year whilst foreign students will be charged £12k on average.

Then it is a dual price system.

Furthermore it is then a discrimination if the students get an identical product.

I doubt that.

Maybe the foreign students get special language courses, or the visa is included, etc.

The universities in the UK will not be give themselfs such an open-Flange with regard to a possible discrimination.

While the product: Entrance in a national park, is an absolutely identical product.

For example, if in the tourist price an English-speaking guide would be contained, then we would not have this discrimination discussion.

Anyway i do not want to go off topic from:

Thai-national-parks-ordered-to-charge-foreigners-tenfold

I can assure you with absolute 100% certainty that International students do not get any 'extras' included in their courses. Indeed as far as language is concerned it will be a condition of their offer for a place that they will have a reasonable standard of English. The cost of their visa or any other travel or subsistence is not included in their fees. Indeed to obtain their visa they will have to also provide proof of funds to support themselves throughout their studies. The product that International students receive for their 30% average higher price is exactly identical to the product that a UK student receives. It is exactly as you say, a dual price system based on nationality with UK\EU students, being charged on average 30% less than International students.

So how can it be wrong and discriminatory as some are claiming for Thailand to practice dual pricing , but apparently perfectly OK and above board in the UK, and possibly other EU countries, for Universities to rip off hundreds of thousands of foreign students with the Governments approval?

Unless of course you are just being hypocritical and using the 2 tier system in Thailand as an excuse to involve in some Thai bashing..

[Maestro]

Removed an abusive post.

[tomacht8]

The sociology examines societal discrimination and differentiated here include between structural, institutional and linguistic discrimination. Thus, in contrast to the social-psychological research on prejudice it comes to social conditions and causes that are not reducible to individual settings. In the law, the term is more narrowly defined and refers only to the differentiation because of certain enumerative listed reasons. Sociology and law so use the term in a normative way.

Unequal treatment, inequality, unequal rights, discriminator

Social inequalities and social discrimination based on factors that influence are the stakeholders (right of access to education, income level, social behavior), tend to be more accepted or tolerated as not individually modifiable factors and triggers of discrimination (race, gender, disability, age . or sexual preferences), there is a high level of acceptance for favors that the position of other not deteriorate (Example: Adults without children are not disadvantaged by that children receive discounted or free admission to a facility).

As to reflect the different pricing for Students, if UK students fees are capped at £9k a year whilst foreign students will be charged £12k on average.

Then it is a dual price system.

Furthermore it is then a discrimination if the students get an identical product.

I doubt that.

Maybe the foreign students get special language courses, or the visa is included, etc.

The universities in the UK will not be give themselfs such an open-Flange with regard to a possible discrimination.

While the product: Entrance in a national park, is an absolutely identical product.

For example, if in the tourist price an English-speaking guide would be contained, then we would not have this discrimination discussion.

Anyway i do not want to go off topic from:

Thai-national-parks-ordered-to-charge-foreigners-tenfold

I can assure you with absolute 100% certainty that International students do not get any 'extras' included in their courses. Indeed as far as language is concerned it will be a condition of their offer for a place that they will have a reasonable standard of English. The cost of their visa or any other travel or subsistence is not included in their fees. Indeed to obtain their visa they will have to also provide proof of funds to support themselves throughout their studies. The product that International students receive for their 30% average higher price is exactly identical to the product that a UK student receives. It is exactly as you say, a dual price system based on nationality with UK\EU students, being charged on average 30% less than International students.

So how can it be wrong and discriminatory as some are claiming for Thailand to practice dual pricing , but apparently perfectly OK and above board in the UK, and possibly other EU countries, for Universities to rip off hundreds of thousands of foreign students with the Governments approval?

Unless of course you are just being hypocritical and using the 2 tier system in Thailand as an excuse to involve in some Thai bashing..

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmscotaf/1144/114409.htm

When asked about the Scottish Government's plans, the European Commissioner for Education, Androulla Vassiliou, commented that any attempt to treat Scottish students and non-Scottish students differently could be regarded as:

a covert form of discrimination on grounds of nationality [...] conditions of access to education, including tuition fees, fall within the scope of EU law and any discrimination on grounds of nationality is prohibited".[66]

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/foreign-student-fees-discrimination-that-cannot-be-justified/414962.article

I support this opinion.

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/Old_Guidance/PDFS/Students/1_fehe_user_guide.pdf

See 3.8 Fees

….There is an exception in the Equality Act for discrimination authorised by other statutes and linked to place of residence. This allows England, Scotland and Wales each to charge different admission fees to students dependent on whether they are resident in that country.

There actually exists a discrimination which is legally protected by a derogation.

And I'm sure that the foreign students just feel discriminated against, same as the tourists which have to pay 10 times more for entry.

Last note:

Please stop to downgrade other opinions, or bend them,

like: ........but apparently perfectly OK and above board in the UK

I am in general against dual price systems,

No matter where it exists or occur.

and I am still of the opinion that:

Thai National Parks ordered to charge foreigners tenfold

is a discrimination and can not be legitimized. by an existing, discriminatory exemption in the UK university fee system.

Last thought:

You wrote:

...... to rip off hundreds of thousands of foreign students with the Governments approval?

i say:

......to rip off hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists with the Governments approval.

Same Same

A discrimination!

[rhinoboy]

National Parks dont want any tourists so they can sleep/use the parks themselves and not be bothered and so the price increase.

[Shadychris]

National Parks dont want any toursts so they can sleep/use the parks themselves and not be bothered and so the price increase.

Genius!! Finally after 2 weeks or more of debate we now know the real reason. Thank God you dropped by to enlighten us all. Just one question though - if they simply wanted the parks to themselves wouldnt it just be easier for them to simply ban foreigners outright??

[rhinoboy]

My wife is Thai and wors for the National Parks and thats what she told me.

[Shadychris]

My wife is Thai and wors for the National Parks and thats what she told me.

Ah that's ok then. Did she call you darkling too when she told you?

[Bluespunk]

deleted going off topic

Well it's a shame you deleted that as it looked like we were actually making some progress...

For the benefit of the discussion allow me to paste your response regarding the UK Universities charging International students more than UK students as I think it is important and not actually going off topic as it relates directly as to whether the 2 tier pricing structure in Thailand is actually 'discriminatory'

All EU citizens qualify for the lower university fees. Turkish and Swiss nationals whose parents are resident in UK can also qualify as can a number of overseas territories. As can refugees who may not have been granted refugee status but have been granted leave to stay in the UK.

However I do agree fees should be the same for all.

It is wrong to charge different fees for the same education, based solely on nationality.

Ability to pay, well that's a different thing, but that also should not be conditioned by nationality.

Now that is rather interesting, as you (and others) have repeatedly claimed before that the UK does not engage in 2 tier pricing because you 'believed' it to be illegal and discriminatory.

However I see you have now conveniently dropped the words 'illegal' and 'discriminatory' regarding this significantly important 2 tier price structure in the UK affecting the 500,000 international students who are able to afford the fees - let alone the possible millions more who cant afford them, and simply say it is 'wrong' and everyone should pay the same. In other words this is simply just your belief...

I assume you agree that the UK Government would not be condoning such treatment of a large number of foreign people by UK Universities if it were either illegal or discriminatory in law. I'm sure also you would also agree that the UK are champions of anti-discrimination legislation, and as as such it must therefore be perfectly legal and non-discriminatory for UK Universities to set these higher fees for International students.

All of which leaves the question of why you have consistently claimed that the Thai system of charging foreigners more than Thai residents is discrimination, when a similar large scale practice in the notoriously 'politically correct' UK is clearly not discrimination.

For the benefit of those who missed it earlier. And to get back on topic.

Pricing on the basis of nationality is discrimination.

[cumgranosalum]

deleted going off topic

Well it's a shame you deleted that as it looked like we were actually making some progress...

For the benefit of the discussion allow me to paste your response regarding the UK Universities charging International students more than UK students as I think it is important and not actually going off topic as it relates directly as to whether the 2 tier pricing structure in Thailand is actually 'discriminatory'

All EU citizens qualify for the lower university fees. Turkish and Swiss nationals whose parents are resident in UK can also qualify as can a number of overseas territories. As can refugees who may not have been granted refugee status but have been granted leave to stay in the UK.

However I do agree fees should be the same for all.

It is wrong to charge different fees for the same education, based solely on nationality.

Ability to pay, well that's a different thing, but that also should not be conditioned by nationality.

Now that is rather interesting, as you (and others) have repeatedly claimed before that the UK does not engage in 2 tier pricing because you 'believed' it to be illegal and discriminatory.

However I see you have now conveniently dropped the words 'illegal' and 'discriminatory' regarding this significantly important 2 tier price structure in the UK affecting the 500,000 international students who are able to afford the fees - let alone the possible millions more who cant afford them, and simply say it is 'wrong' and everyone should pay the same. In other words this is simply just your belief...

I assume you agree that the UK Government would not be condoning such treatment of a large number of foreign people by UK Universities if it were either illegal or discriminatory in law. I'm sure also you would also agree that the UK are champions of anti-discrimination legislation, and as as such it must therefore be perfectly legal and non-discriminatory for UK Universities to set these higher fees for International students.

All of which leaves the question of why you have consistently claimed that the Thai system of charging foreigners more than Thai residents is discrimination, when a similar large scale practice in the notoriously 'politically correct' UK is clearly not discrimination.

So because English Universities charge foreign students extra fees, a habit that is actually severely criticised in the UK, this justifies Thailand charging ten times the entrance fees for National Parks?

Not sure I follow the logic here. erhaps you should compare Thai university fees? at least that would be like with like, but even that doesn't relate to tourism and National Parks. I think you're losing the plot here as to what the issues really are. 10 out of 10 for tenacity though

[joesanunu]

If a University, National Park or other service is paid for or subsidized by the taxpayers then outsiders should pay more.

The taxpayers have essentially prepaid.

Private enterprises like Ocean World in Siam Paragon for example are scamming tourists with their type of pricing.

They actually hide the Thai price in the seldom used Thai script.

[Thian]

Just wait untill some EUropeans visit Thai national parks and write about it in their local newspapers/blogs. Europeans can get very annoyed if they get discriminated, they do everything to stop discrimination and then get overcharged by a Thai for having a white skin And then when they see the park they will be disappointed because it ain't nothing special at all

But with an attitude like this the Thai don't deserve any EU tourists anymore. They will go to neighbouring country's or Sout America/Australia anyway. There people speak english and know what quality is. The land of scams is past time.

[Scott]

Off-topic posts and replies removed.

[cumgranosalum]

Put on dark sunglasses and start speaking Thai to the people selling tickets at the park gate and you will get in for the Thai price. I haven't ever paid a farang price to get into a park in 25 years of visiting Thai parks

You see, Dibbler, this is a NEW dictum re-enacting the OLD one - so people are worried that this ridiculous concept may now be enforced. It didn't exist in this current form 25 years ago, it was first introduced in about 2006 and subsequently either modified or discarded by individual parks, they now want to re-introduce it as a universally applied fee, so that's what started the discussion. Is that clear now?

[seedy]

Mae Wang National Park - yesterday morning.

Thai price - 20 baht

Foreigner price - 100 baht

Foreigner price with Thai DL as proof of residency - 20 baht

Seems to put in doubt the veracity of the initial post by the Coconut website,

[canuckamuck]

The parks suck anyways

[cumgranosalum]

The parks suck anyways

I fail to see how "liking" or "not liking" the parks has anything to do with the issues surrounding charging foreigners ten-fold. please elucidate.

[canuckamuck]

The parks suck anyways

I fail to see how "liking" or "not liking" the parks has anything to do with the issues surrounding charging foreigners ten-fold. please elucidate.

Not liking them means I pay the same as my wife who also doesn't go to the national parks.

The fact that there is a 1000 percent skin tax, makes not liking the parks so much easier to do.

Or let's put it this way. They ain't worth my time for free, So now they are really not worth it.

[Mr Somtam]

Ah, the irony of it all.

I fail to see why you are calling my post ironic, the facts are that it is accepted world wide that to treat a disadvantaged group the same as a non disadvantaged group is discrimination.

and that is the crux of this discussion, we have the relatively well off farangs arguing they should be charged the same as the obviously not so well off Thais because to do otherwise is discrimination, yet their own home country's laws disagree with them and in fact say to charge the same would be discrimination.

Apparently the UN says the same thing.

so just to clarify , this affects 2 groups of people

1. Thai nationals ( majority earn less then 20,000 Baht a month)

2. foreign no residents ( by law have to have either a heck of a lot more then 20,000 Baht or be earning significantly more then 20,000 Baht a month)

are these 2 groups equal?

no, one has far greater earnings and capacity to earn

so to charge them both the same price (400 Baht) would be disadvantaging one of them

Utter bullcrap! You can not know how much a person makes by looking at their passport/face. It is not about groups of people, it is about individuals. I think a lot of Thais make real good money and a lot of falangs make small money. I don't care what the average Thai makes, I am interested in what this Thai person makes or what this falang makes.

Furthermore, it's annoying to see that Asian looking people almost never pay the "tourist price". Even if they're from Europe!

[cumgranosalum]

The parks suck anyways

I fail to see how "liking" or "not liking" the parks has anything to do with the issues surrounding charging foreigners ten-fold. please elucidate.

Not liking them means I pay the same as my wife who also doesn't go to the national parks.

The fact that there is a 1000 percent skin tax, makes not liking the parks so much easier to do.

Or let's put it this way. They ain't worth my time for free, So now they are really not worth it.

Just as I said - a completely irrelevant argument

[cumgranosalum]

2 weeks and some clowns are still ranting on indignantly about this misleading headline, yes misleading for it is something that has always been the same.

Tell you what there is one great freedom that the National Parks give to people like yourselves and that is the freedom not to go, I am sure you wouldn't even know what you saw let alone appreciate it if you did go.

Please leave them to people like me who do know what we see and appreciate it.

Come to think of it Thailand affords you another great freedom which you should seriously consider taking advantage of if you are so disgruntled and dissatisfied with the place. That is the freedom to leave.

Thailand, <deleted> yeah!

If you don't like rampant human trafficking, go home!

Don't like abject poverty on your doorstep, go home!

Hate corruption at every level of business and government, go home!

Don't like being sneered at because your a farang by uneducated blokes who can't read and ignorant dicks who haven't left their village, go home!

Don't like being charged extra because of your nationality or skin color, you guessed it just go home!

Honestly though if I get the opportunity to visit one of those parks I will happily pay the price if it is worth it and I will also allow people to voice their disagreement on the issue as well. Really though they should up the price for everyone including Thais to start restricting the opportunity for idiots to destroy them.So robbynz what's the best park to go visit?

What kind of a person would you be if you "didn't like it", you just went home?

[cumgranosalum]

Someone seems to think the concept of giving local residents around Disney World Florida cheaper deal is the same as charging foreigners ten times the standard rate.

Just to see what they were on about check out this site...........https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents/

i don't think it takes a great intellect ot see the differences.

[cumgranosalum]

This appears to be the official position.

http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2015/02/entrance-fees-have-gone-up-at-31-national-parks-in-thailand/

he National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has announced that as of 1st February 2015, the entrance fees for 31 national parks in Thailand have been raised. The prices below are for children/adults. Please note there is a dual price system at all parks in Thailand. Sometimes foreigners with a work permit or Thai driver’s license can get in for Thai price. But this is not consistent at all parks. Also, sometimes a foreigner married to a Thai person with Thai children might find it difficult to get in with Thai price.

A. The following parks will be 10 Baht/20 Baht for Thais and 100 Baht/200 Baht for foreigners:

1. Thap Lan National Park, Prachinburi
2. Ta Phraya National Park, SaKaeo
3. Khao Lak – Lam Ru, Krabi.
4. Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Satun
5. Kaeng Tana, Ratchathani
6. Phu Sa Dok Bua, Yasothon.
7. Phu Pha Thoep National Park, Mukdahan.
8. Phu Phan, Sakon Nakhon
9. Phu Langka, Nakhon Phanom

B. The following parks will be 20 Baht/40 Baht for Thais and 100 Baht/200 Baht for foreigners:

1. Pa Hin Ngam, Chaiyaphum
2. Ramkhamhaeng National Park, Sukhothai
3. Mae Moei, Tak

C. The following park will be 40 Baht/100 Baht for Thais and 200 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Kaeng Krachan, Phetchaburi

D. The following parks will be 50 Baht/100 Baht for Thais and 200 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Srinakarin Dam, Kanchanaburi.
2. Sai Yok National Park, Kanchanaburi
3. Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi

E. The following parks will be 20 Baht/40 Baht for Thais and 150 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani
2. Mu Ko Ang Thong, Surat Thani

F. The following parks will be 50 Baht/100 Baht for Thais and 300 Baht/500 Baht for foreigners:

1. Mu Ko Surin, Krabi
2. Similan Islands, Krabi

G. The following parks will be 30 Baht/60 Baht for Thais and 100 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Than Bok Khorani, Krabi
2. Ao Phang Nga, Phang Nga

H. The following parks will be 20 Baht/40 Baht for Thais and 200 Baht/400 Baht for foreigners:

1. Phu Chong–Na Yoi, Ubon Ratchathani
2. Pha Taem, Ubon Ratchathani
3. Khao Phra Wihan, Sisaket

I. The following parks will be 20 Baht/40 Baht for Thais and 300 Baht/500 Baht for foreigners:

1. Thung Salang Luang, Phitsanulok
2. Phu Hin Rong Kla, Phitsanulok

J. The following parks will be 20 Baht/40 Baht for Thais and 100 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Namtok Chat Trakan, Phitsanulok

K. The following parks will be 20 Baht/50 Baht for Thais and 150 Baht/300 Baht for foreigners:

1. Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai
2. Doi Pha Hom Pok, Chiang Mai
3. Huai Nam Dang, Chiang Mai

For more information about dual pricing in Thailand, please visit www.2PriceThailand.com and follow on Twitter @2PriceThailand

[Keesters]

Well I'll not be visiting and neither will any part of my Thai family while they operate this discriminatory two price system. Even if I could get in at Thai price, many can't. Good heavens can't the parks just raise the Thai price a bit and call it for everyone. Bet the revenue would the same or more without the bad press.

[cumgranosalum]

In 1998 this report was released by the ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA entitled

“Environmental Valuation: An Entrance Fee System for National Parks in Thailand”

In their conclusion was the following paragrtaph.........

"Lastly, the concept of adopting a discriminatory pricing scheme where local and foreign visitors are charged different entrance fees can help increase the total revenue for national parks. The rationale for charging foreigners higher entrance fees are: 1) foreigners do not pay income tax or business tax to the local government; and 2) foreigners tend to have a higher WTP for park visits. However, imposing higher entrance fees on foreigners could unnecessarily create silent resentment among foreign tourists and consequently affect the image of the tourism industry of the host country negatively. For this reason, this study suggests that foreign and local visitors be charged the same entrance fees. National parks should instead adopt other strategies in transferring surpluses from foreigners, such as offering special package tours inside the park or operating souvenir shops."

Looks like as with so much advice proffered to Thai governments - nobody listened.

[cumgranosalum]

.....and here are the fees as published on the NP web site!!!!!

http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/entrance_fee.asp?lg=2

Entrance fee of National Park of Thailand

Entrance Fee Rate (Baht/people)

National Park, Province, Adult Child, Remark

North

1. Doi Inthanon National Park Chiang Mai 200 100

2. Doi Phahompok National Park Chiang Mai 200 100

3. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Chiang Mai 100 50

4. Doi Wiang Pha National Park Chiang Mai No entrance fee

5. Huai Nam Dang National Park Chiang Mai 200 100

6. Khun Khan National Park Chiang Mai

7. Mae Takhrai National Park Chiang Mai No entrance fee

8. Mae Tho National Park Chiang Mai No entrance fee

9. Mae Wang National Park Chiang Mai 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

10. Ob Luang National Park Chiang Mai 200 100

11. Op Khan National Park Chiang Mai No entrance fee

12. Pha Daeng National Park Chiang Mai 100 50

13. Si Lanna National Park Chiang Mai 100 50

14. Doi Luang National Park Chiang Rai 100 50

15. Khun Chae National Park Chiang Rai 100 50

16. Lam Nam Kok National Park Chiang Rai No entrance fee

17. Khlong Lan National Park Kamphaeng Phet 200 100

18. Khlong Wang Chao National Park Kamphaeng Phet 200 100

19. Mae Wong National Park Kamphaeng Phet 200 100

20. Chae Son National Park Lampang 200 100

21. Doi Chong National Park Lampang No entrance fee

22. Mae Wa National Park Lampang 100 50

23. Tham Pha Thai National Park Lampang No entrance fee

24. Doi Khun Tan National Park Lamphun 100 50

25. Maeping National Park Lamphun 100 50

26. Mae Ngao National Park Mae Hong Son No entrance fee

27. Namtok Mae Surin National Park Mae Hong Son 200 100

28. Salawin National Park Mae Hong Son 100 50

29. Tham Pla - Namtok Pha Suea National Park Mae Hong Son 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

30. Doi Phu Kha National Park Nan 200 100

31. Khun Nan National Park Nan 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 june 2010

32. Khun Sathan National Park Nan No entrance fee

33. Mae Charim National Park Nan 200 100

34. Nunthaburi National Park Nan No entrance fee

35. Si Nan National Park Nan 100 50

36. Tham Sakoen National Park Nan No entrance fee

37. Doi Phu Nang National Park Phayao 100 50

38. Mae Puem National Park Phayao 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

39. Phu Sang National Park Phayao 100 50

40. Khao Kho National Park Phetchabun

41. Nam Nao National Park Phetchabun 200 100

42. Tat Mok National Park Phetchabun 100 50

43. Kaeng Chet Khwae National Park Phitsanulok No entrance fee

44. Namtok Chat Trakan National Park Phitsanulok 200 100

45. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park Phitsanulok 200 100

46. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park Phitsanulok 400 200 This's rate for Thung Nang Paya and Thung Noul Son area, Other area adult 200 baht chlid 100 baht

47. Doi Pha Klong National Park Phrae 100 50

48. Mae Yom National Park Phrae 100 50

49. Wiang Kosai National Park Phrae 200 100

50. Ramkhamhaeng National Park Sukhothai 100 50

51. Si Satchanalai National Park Sukhothai 200 100

52. Khun Phra Wo National Park Tak 200 100 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

53. Lan Sang National Park Tak 200 100

54. Mae Moei National Park Tak 100 50

55. Namtok Pha Charoen National Park Tak No entrance fee

56. Taksin Maharat National Park Tak 200 100

57. Khlong Tron National Park Uttaradit 100 50

58. Lam Nam Nan National Park Uttaradit 100 50

59. Phu Soi Dao National Park Uttaradit 200 100 This's rate for the field of three - leaf pines on Phu Soi Dao area, Other area adult 100 baht chlid 50 baht.

Central/East/west

1. Khao Khitchakut National Park Chanthaburi 200 100

2. Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park Chanthaburi 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

3. Namtok Phlio National Park Chanthaburi 200 100

4. Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100

5. Erawan National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100

6. Khao Laem National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100

7. Khuean Srinagarindra National Park Kanchanaburi 300 200

8. Lam Khlong Ngu National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

9. Sai Yok National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100

10. Thong Pha Phum National Park Kanchanaburi 200 100 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

11. Kaeng Krachan National Park Phetchaburi 200 100

12. Thap Lan National Park Prachinburi 100 50

13. Hat Wanakon National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan 100 50

14. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan 200 100

15. Kui Buri National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan 200 100

16. Namtok Huai Yang National Park Prachuap Khiri Khan 100 50

17. Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan National Park Ratchaburi

18. Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park Rayong 200 100

19. Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park Rayong 200 100

20. Pang Sida National Park Sakaeo 200 100

21. Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park Saraburi No entrance fee

22. Namtok Samlan National Park Saraburi 100 50

23. Pu Toei National Park Suphanburi 100 50

24. Mu Ko Chang National Park Trat 200 100

25. Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park Trat 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

Northeast 1. Ta Phraya National Park Buriram 100 50

2. Pa Hin Ngam National Park Chaiyaphum 100 50

3. Phu Laenkha National Park Chaiyaphum 100 50

4. Sai Thong National Park Chaiyaphum 200 100

5. Tat Ton National Park Chaiyaphum 200 100

6. Nam Phong National Park Khorn Kaen 100 50

7. Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham National Park Khorn Kaen 100 50

8. Phu Pha Man National Park Khorn Kaen 100 50

9. Phu Wiang National Park Khorn Kaen 200 100

10. Phu Kradueng National Park Loei 400 200 This''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

11. Phu Ruea National Park Loei 200 100

12. Phu Suan Sai National Park Loei 100 50

13. Phu Pha Turm National Park Mukdaharn 100 50

14. Phu Sa Dok Bua National Park Mukdaharn 100 50

15. Phu Langka National Park Nakhon Phanom 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

16. Khao Yai National Park Nakhorn Ratchasima 400 200 This''s rate for area between Noen Hom barrier and San Chao Pho barrier, Other area adult 200 baht chlid 100 baht

17. Phu Pha Lek National Park Sakhon Nakhorn 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

18. Phu Pha Yon National Park Sakhon Nakhorn 100 50

19. Phu Phan National Park Sakhon Nakhorn 100 50

20. Khao Phra Wihan National Park Sisaket 200 100

21. Kaeng Tana National Park Ubon Ratchathani 100 50

22. Pha Taem National Park Ubon Ratchathani 200 100

23. Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park Ubon Ratchathani 200 100

24. Na Yung - Nam Som National Park Udon Thani No entrance fee

South 1. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park Chumphon 200 100

2. Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park Krabi 400 200 This''s rate for every Island in National Park, Other area adult 200 baht chlid 100 baht

3. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park Krabi 100 50

4. Mu Ko Lanta National Park Krabi 400 200 This's rate for every Island in National Park, Other area adult 200 baht chlid 100 baht

5. Than Bok Khorani National Park Krabi 200 100

6. Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai Nation Park Nakhon Si Thammarat No entrance fee

7. Khao Luang Naional Park Nakhon Si Thammarat 200 100

8. Khao Nan National Park Nakhon Si Thammarat 200 100 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

9. Nam Tok Yong National Park Nakhon Si Thammarat 100 50 for Khao Mhen area, adult 200 baht chlid 100 baht

10. Namtok Si Khit National Park Nakhon Si Thammarat 100 50

11. Ao Manao - Khao Tanyong National Park Narathiwat No entrance fee

12. Budo - Su-ngai Padi National Park Narathiwat 100 50

13. Namtok Sipo National Park Narathiwat No entrance fee

14. Namtok Sai Khao National Park Pattani 100 50 for entrance fee start 1 november 2009

15. Ao Phang-nga National Park Phangnga 200 100

16. Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park Phangnga 100 50

17. Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park Phangnga 100 50

18. Mu Ko Ra - Ko Phra Thong National Park Phangnga No entrance fee

19. Mu Ko Similan National Park. Phangnga 500 300

20. Mu Ko Surin National Park Phangnga 400 200

21. Si Phang-nga National Park Phangnga 100 50

22. Khao Pu - Khao Ya National Park Phatthalung 100 50

23. Sirinat National Park Phuket 200 100 24. Laemson National Park Ranong 200 100

25. Lam Nam Kraburi National Park Ranong 100 50

26. Mu Ko Ranong National Park Ranong 200 100 for entrance fee start 1 august 2010

27. Namtok Ngao National Park Ranong 100 50

28. Mu Ko Phetra National Park Satun 100 50

29. Tarutao National Park Satun 200 100 30. Thale Ban National Park Satun 200 100

31. Khao Nam Khang National Park Songkhla 100 50

32. San Kala Khiri National Park Songkhla No entrance fee

33. Kaeng Krung National Park Surat Thani 100 50

34. Khao Sok National Park Surat Thani 300 150

35. Khlong Phanom National Park Surat Thani 100 50

36. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park Surat Thani 200 100

37. Tai Romyen National Park Surat Thani 200 100

38. Than Sadet - Ko Pha-ngan National Park Surat Thani No entrance fee

39. Hat Chao Mai National Park Trang 200 100

40. Bang Lang National Park Yala 100 50

[Mr Somtam]

Well I'll not be visiting and neither will any part of my Thai family while they operate this discriminatory two price system. Even if I could get in at Thai price, many can't. Good heavens can't the parks just raise the Thai price a bit and call it for everyone. Bet the revenue would the same or more without the bad press.

Good point! Let's say the ratio is 100 Thais to 1 falang and Thai price 20 baht, falang 200:

100 * 20 = 2000

1 * 200 = 200

That totals 2200. Divide this by 101 persons => 21.78 Baht. Let's round that off to 22 Baht.

So if they just charge everybody 22 Baht the revenue will be the same! Wow a 2 baht increase!

No need to ask for passport, drivers licence, proof of residence, etc. etc. Just charge evrybody 1 price! No angry falangs or ashamed Thais.

Logical thinking, making things simple and workable, so won't happen here I guess, sigh...

[Keesters]

In 1998 this report was released by the ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA entitled

“Environmental Valuation: An Entrance Fee System for National Parks in Thailand”

In their conclusion was the following paragrtaph.........

"Lastly, the concept of adopting a discriminatory pricing scheme where local and foreign visitors are charged different entrance fees can help increase the total revenue for national parks. The rationale for charging foreigners higher entrance fees are: 1) foreigners do not pay income tax or business tax to the local government; and 2) foreigners tend to have a higher WTP for park visits. However, imposing higher entrance fees on foreigners could unnecessarily create silent resentment among foreign tourists and consequently affect the image of the tourism industry of the host country negatively. For this reason, this study suggests that foreign and local visitors be charged the same entrance fees. National parks should instead adopt other strategies in transferring surpluses from foreigners, such as offering special package tours inside the park or operating souvenir shops."

Looks like as with so much advice proffered to Thai governments - nobody listened.

Or never got past the first sentence of 28 words.

More money hey we'll do that. What's this dis-crimmmminashun thing anyway.