Dual pricing in Thailand.
Thailand operates a dual pricing system where locals are charged a lower price than tourists for certain products. Despite this, charging one group a higher price than another is illegal. It's important to be cautious, as the dual pricing system can be complex and lead to overcharging for unsuspecting tourists.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Royal Garden Plaza in Pattaya is 449 Baht for Thais and 649 Baht for foreigners.
Navigating Thailand's dual pricing system: A comprehensive guide for tourists and expats.
In the 1960s, dual pricing was introduced in Thailand, with luxury items being priced higher for foreign tourists. The rationale behind this was the "thirsty foreigner" phenomenon, where tourists were expected to spend more money on goods and services than the locals, who were not required to pay such high prices. However, this practice was outlawed in the 1970s and has since remained illegal.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya is 800 Baht for foreigners & 400 Baht for Thais. No reduction for expats.
Frost Magical Ice of Siam in Pattaya is 600 Baht for foreigners and 350 Baht for Thais.
General info.
Despite being illegal, some businesses in Thailand continue to overcharge tourists. The most common culprits include jewelry shops, gift shops, hotels, and restaurants. Tourist-only establishments are particularly problematic, but some businesses deceive customers with separate menus or signs for tourists and locals.
Want to visit Koh Samet in Rayong? You will have to pay 200 Baht. Thais pay 40 Baht.
Shopkeepers justify higher prices for tourists by citing demand and claiming that locals aren't interested in paying more. Restaurants are known to mark up menu prices by 50-200% for certain items. To determine if a restaurant offers discounts to locals, look for signs indicating "Thai food only." If such a sign is present and no discount is offered, paying more than locals is unnecessary.
Swiss Sheep Farm in Pattaya is 180 Baht for foreigners and 90 Baht for Thais.
Pattaya Underwater World, 500 Baht for foreigners and 250 Baht for Thais.
To avoid falling victim to this unethical practice, remember these tips: don't pay more than locals unless the items are clearly labeled as "tourist goods," and always ask before making a purchase if you're unsure.
Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi is 300 Baht for foreigners and 100 Baht for Thais.
Erawan National Park is obviously annoyed with foreigners trying to use work permits to get local prices that they decided they needed this infographic to make it clear.
Golden Buddha and museum at Wat Trimit in Bangkok is 140 Baht for foreigners and free for Thais.
Farang price vs. Thai price.
In Thailand, the term "farang" refers to foreigners. It's often used in the context of dual pricing, where tourists are charged higher prices than locals, who pay the "Thai price."
Admission prices for foreigners went up in Lum Nam Pai wildlife Sanctuary in Mae Hong Son. Foreigners are now 400 Baht while Thais are still 30 Baht.
Understanding the "Farang Price" and the "Thai Price" In Thailand, it's common for tourists to be charged a higher price than locals, known as the "farang price." This applies to various items, such as entrance fees to national parks, museums, and historical sites, as well as local transportation, souvenirs, and handicrafts. While this practice may seem unfair, it's legal and rooted in Thai customs and local laws.
Overview of several different dual prices.
Doi Inthanon national park in Chiang Mai is 300 Baht for foreigners and 50 Baht for Thais.
While bargaining for a better price is possible, it's important to understand that the prices in Thailand vary depending on the location. In urban areas, the prices charged to tourists are generally higher than those charged to locals. However, it's possible to find the same products at cheaper prices in shops where there are no tourists or farangs.
Phimai Historical Park and National museum is 100 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for Thais.
On the other hand, the "Thai price" refers to the normal prices at which locals pay. This includes certain benefits, such as cheaper transportation and entrance fees. The purpose of this pricing is to encourage customers to buy Thai products instead of importing foreign goods.
Phu Hin Rongkhla National Park. Paid 30 baht for the car, 40 Baht my Thai wife and 500 Baht for the foreigner.
While it's important to be aware of the dual pricing system in Thailand, it's also important to understand that it's a common practice and not unique to this country.
Khao Sok National Park. 300 Baht for foreigners and 40 Baht for Thais.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Koh Samet National Park is 200 Baht for foreigners & 40 Baht for Thais.
It is unfortunate that even after residing in Thailand for several years, contributing to the Thai economy by using local products and services, or being married to a Thai national, a foreigner will always be viewed and treated as a farang.
Sirinath national park Phuket, 200 baht foreigners, free for thais.
How to avoid being overcharged as a foreigner in Thailand?
As a foreigner in Thailand, there are several ways to avoid being overcharged. Public transportation like trains, buses, and airlines charge the same fare for everyone regardless of nationality. However, taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaew drivers may quote higher prices to foreigners, taking advantage of their lack of knowledge of the local rates.
Ayothaya floating market. Thai free, 200 Baht foreigner to get in.
To prevent being overcharged, request that the taxi driver turns on the meter, ask for flat rates of public transportation, barter politely, or grin and bear the higher prices if necessary.
Ban Chiang National Museum in Udon Thani, Thais 30 Baht and Foreigners 150 Baht.
Night Safari in Chiang Mai. Thais 300 Baht & foreigners 800 Baht.
Visitors should be aware that some attractions have higher prices for foreigners than for local Thais. For example, some national parks, temples, and entertainment facilities charge different prices based on nationality, and some may advertise their prices discretely in Thai numbers. Visitors can be granted the local price if they can show a Thai driver's license, a work permit, or a Thai residence card. Speaking Thai to the person supplying tickets might also get visitors a discounted rate.
Another compilation about the two price system.
Local pub in Ayutthaya sells Chang Beer to foreigners for 80 Baht and to Thais for 69.50 Baht + free ice all night. Looms Orchid Park in Ratchaburi, Foreigners 250 Baht and Thais 80 Baht. For Thais only and double pricing even on coffee at Bangkok Noi train station and at the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek in Chiang Mai foreigners pay a lot more.
Thai restaurants usually don't have a dual price system, and most of them have menus written in both Thai and English with one price for everyone. Visitors may experience overcharging by a small amount on handwritten receipts during high seasons, but it could be an honest mistake.
National Park Lum Nam Pai. Thai only 20 Baht, foreigner 200 Baht.
Lastly, in outdoor food or walking street markets, vendors may quote a high price at the beginning of a transaction. However, visitors can haggle and negotiate a lower price. In general, visitors should always be aware of the prices of goods and services and politely ask for the local rate to avoid being overcharged.
Several examples of Thailand's two price system.
A few more examples of the price difference.
Ko Lipe. The act total is 60 Baht for Thais and 220 Baht for foreigners. More than 3x the price. Mork Fa Waterfall is 100 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for Thais. Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi Province is 200 Baht for foreigners and 40 Baht for Thais. Statement Ramkhamhaeng national museum and price differnce at the waterfall in the Huay Yang national park.
In conclusion.
It is important to acknowledge that dual pricing is a common practice in Thailand, and it can be frustrating for some foreigners. However, it is also important to understand the reasons behind this practice and the cultural context in which it occurs. While some may see it as discriminatory or unfair, others may view it as a way to provide affordable access to locals while still allowing for tourism.
Klongsaeng wildlife sanctuary, it is 10 times more for the Farang.
As a foreigner, it is important to do your research and be aware of the prices before making any purchases or participating in any activities. Negotiation can also be an effective way to lower prices, especially if you are staying for an extended period or plan to make multiple purchases.
The foreigner and the dual pricing system and don't forget: Keep laughing in this beautiful country.
It is also important to remember that Thailand has a lot to offer, from beautiful beaches to rich cultural experiences, and the benefits of visiting the country outweigh the potential drawbacks of dual pricing.