Dual-pricing in Thailand: Is it time to do away with the 'farang tax'?

[Big Boy]

Dual Hospital pricing discussion moved here viewtopic.php?f=24&t=39393

[buksida]

Hotels urged to end dual pricing scheme
The Tourism and Sports Ministry is encouraging hotels in Thailand to offer fair packages to expatriates, avoiding price discrimination as the country aims to attract 2 million foreign residents to travel more domestically.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said the ministry urged expatriate associations to travel domestically instead of going abroad, as they may face back-to-back 14-day quarantines when arriving at other destinations and then upon returning to Thailand.

The idea has received some positive feedback from expatriates, but points of concern remain regarding local sentiment towards foreigners during the outbreak and overpriced accommodations.

He said the Tourism Authority of Thailand is working with hoteliers and the Tourism Council of Thailand to ensure expatriates will receive the same hotel rates as locals.

The government does not have any stimulus measures for expatriates.

Mr Phiphat admitted the Tourism and Sports Ministry cannot stop dual pricing at local attractions in the near future as they fall under the purview of different ministries.

He said 2 million expatriates normally take overseas trips, especially to other Southeast Asian countries during holidays, rather than within Thailand.

"If expats who work here travel in Thailand four times during the remainder of the year, that would entail 8 million trips for the tourism industry," Mr Phiphat said.

While residing in Thailand, most expatriates tend to travel with family, play golf and shop, spending 6,000-8,000 baht per day on average, he said. This outlay is almost two times higher than local travellers, who spend around 4,000 baht per day.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/19 ... ing-scheme

[handdrummer]

It's good to know we're worth something.

[buksida]

Also good to know the junta is actually acknowledging that we exist now. I think they're beginning to realize the Chinese hoards will not be back for some time.

[Gregjam]

But a shame they don’t realise that we only get the 14 day quarantine if we can get back or that it means an enforced stay at a designated hotel which is not cheap.

[hin]

Dual prices on agenda - Operators urged to target expat market

The Tourism and Sports Ministry plans to propose to the prime minister the idea of ditching dual pricing at local attractions for expatriates in Thailand, as well as asking tour operators to tailor packages to this target group

Expats here deserve to be treated like locals but they regularly face price discrimination, said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn. Mr Yuthasak said one idea is to provide an identification card for expatriates to use while travelling….

Sooo - Possibly the big pinch is enlightening somone to realize that expat pockets might be lured into shaking loose with a bit more jingle jangle if we were treated fairly. Might be interesting to watch this one — read the article
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1962807/

[hin]

But notice they are not talking about elimination of dual pricing. They are merely admitting to themselves that people who have been here for a while cannot be duped as easily as those who arrive with deep pockets for a holiday then leave in two weeks.

But to the average Koon Thai a farang is a farang — the practice will continue — the govt needs to ELIMINATE dual pricing

[buksida]

TAT vows to eliminate dual pricing, mulls expat ID card
Expatriates may not be able to join tourism stimulus packages, but the government pledges to end dual pricing as soon as possible.

Yuthasak Supasorn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said the We Travel Together stimulus campaign is carried out with budget from the Loan Act, which has a clear mandate and objectives that make it hard to include foreigners.

But the TAT will discuss stopping dual pricing for expatriates with the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, as well as famous tourism sites.

Mr Yuthasak said the move will let expats save money, allowing them to spend more as a key target to boost domestic tourism.

The agency wants to introduce an identity card to verify expats' status, helping to distinguish them from tourists so they will be charged the same price as locals.

The expat travel card would be issued by the TAT. The agency hopes to sign a memorandum of understanding with each department that owns tourist attractions to fix a standard local price for those card holders permanently, not just during the pandemic.

The TAT also wants to improve its customer database about independent tourists here, Mr Yuthasak said.

"The key factor is we have to treat expats like locals, without discrimination or a negative attitude towards foreigners," he said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/19 ... at-id-card

I could be wrong, but I think the gooberment defines an 'expat' as someone with a work permit, so this may not benefit anyone on marriage or retirement visas.

[pitsch]

Most expats will know the "famous tourism sites" already, so this will have not much effect "to boost tourism" as long as no tourists are allowed.

[europtimiste]

Everything has a bad and good side. Thank's to Covid and lack of tourists, Thais will probably come to a reasonable approach to tourism.

[centermid7]

^ no they won't

The other way around the dual pricing is to charge one price for everyone regardless and quit trying to stiff someone just because they think they can. Ta Da !!