Dual pricing. Fair or price gouging?

Photo TIT – This Is Thailand Facebook page

Thailand’s dual pricing policy continues with, it seems, a completely random application of the system. In some places flashing your Work Permit might get you an exemption so you can pay local price but there is no consistency.

What are your experiences with dual pricing? Do you think it’s fair? If we’re receiving the same service, shouldn’t the price be the same? Here are some reactions from the Phuket Gazette Facebook page…

“It’s about 4 pound why moan your in a beautiful place yes it different price for Thai but when our wage is £100+a day and a Thai wage is 400 bhat a day can you see why price different” Dean

“One of many reasons that Thailand will never be a first world country. Infrastructure is 2nd world and improving but it’s the Thai mentality just can’t ever progress past 3rd world.” Muz

“Well. 6.00 US is still cheap. Thai’s get government assistance. Quit being a Cheap Charlie….. kinda kidding. It does take the magic away. Especially when you really get boned.” Mario

“National Parks management is government funded which means it comes from Thai taxpayers money (including expats who pay tax here). Subsidized entrance fees are rediculously low by international standards so it is quite fair to charge non residents a different price. Consider it as an environment tax tourists have to pay in return for exploiting Thailand natural environment. When I saw Similan Island flooded with thousands of Chinese tourists I think it is fair enough. Our narional parks cannot cope with that many tourists. In fact we need to start limiting daily visitors to national parks as well (especially the famous ones).” Kittas

“Double the price I can understand for foreigners. But this is just is just too much. Takes the piss a bit doesn’t it.” Gavin

“It’s out and out discrimination. Would not be tolerated in the west. Imagine the out cry if the roles were reversed and Thais charged 100 times more than a Westerner.” Bob

“It is like in Cuba….foreigner price and Local price. It is not correct for me. But i am free to decide to go or not. It could be better to offer for example 50% discount to local but keep a single price list.” Flavio

“It’s always been like this. At least for the last 13 years I have liver here. But if you show a work permit and driving license, in most places you will get charged the same as Thai people. Reason given. If you are a tourist from a different country you can afford to pay more. Seemingly Thai people are classed as a poorer nation.” Art

“Totally fair in my mind. Gives locals a chance to experience various sites that would otherwise be out of their reach.” Rod

Click below to have your say about the issue…

https://www.facebook.com/phuketgazette/posts/1648693528541802