Thailand hikes national park entrance fees, dual pricing remains

[PeteC]

Take a look at Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa who sets the rates for things like this. He I believe is from the same "useless foreigners" way of thinking as the health minister. When his daddy was PM he wasn't too keen on farangs either, so he's grown up with that thinking IMO.

[Big Boy]

I think most of us expats are old enough and wise enough to work out if a dual charge is ripping us off. We simply decide there and then if the charge is acceptable to us. Generally I avoid such rip-offs like the plague, but if I would really like to see something/go somewhere, these charges aren't so great as to stop me.

A typical example is the Phraya Nakhon Cave. I went/paid once, and really loved it. If we have visitors, I'll still take them, because I think it's worthwhile, but I'll go for a stroll along the beach while they're at the cave. However, whilst I'll still take visitors to the local floating market, I will not hold back on my feelings about the place, and try to dissuade them. I'd rather drive them to one of the decent markets near Ratchaburi where there is no charge, and they're fairly authentic.

It is a decision that we're all big enough to make. It isn't a case of one size fits all.

[handdrummer]

Maybe it all comes down to what we are willing to do and what we can afford to do.
I can be stubborn and say, "No," I won't pay Farang prices or I can say, "OK," it is what it is and I want to see the attraction, or, I literally can't afford it and won't go.

[handdrummer]

I think most of us expats are old enough and wise enough to work out if a dual charge is ripping us off. We simply decide there and then if the charge is acceptable to us. Generally I avoid such rip-offs like the plague, but if I would really like to see something/go somewhere, these charges aren't so great as to stop me.

A typical example is the Phraya Nakhon Cave. I went/paid once, and really loved it. If we have visitors, I'll still take them, because I think it's worthwhile, but I'll go for a stroll along the beach while they're at the cave. However, whilst I'll still take visitors to the local floating market, I will not hold back on my feelings about the place, and try to dissuade them. I'd rather drive them to one of the decent markets near Ratchaburi where there is no charge, and they're fairly authentic.

It is a decision that we're all big enough to make. It isn't a case of one size fits all.

I recently saw an article, in one of those advertising-type magazines found in shops, that wrote about a park and said that the entrance fee for Thais is 40 baht, and for foreigners, 400 baht. Any found a bigger rip-off?

[buksida]

I recently saw an article, in one of those advertising-type magazines found in shops, that wrote about a park and said that the entrance fee for Thais is 40 baht, and for foreigners, 400 baht. Any found a bigger rip-off?

Yes, the first post of this thread reports that prices in some parks have been hiked to 500 baht for foreigners.

I can't remember the last time I paid a stupid price to look at a waterfall, I simply don't go to them anymore.

[Big Boy]

I'll looking around in Buriram this week (weather permitting), and I'm sure I'll be ripped off. I will take a few pics of entrance fees if I can.

[Big Boy]

I only had to pay once today, which surprised me. When I paid, it wasn't too much, although when the guy saw me photographing the price board, he tried to stand in front - fortunately, Thais aren't very tall

As usual, price for Thais was in Thai - clever people? Mrs BB didn't have to pay because she's a wrinklie (over 60).

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[hhinner]

20 vs 100, and 30 vs 150. Only 5 times as much. Cars get in cheaper than Farangs.

[Big Boy]

At least cars were the same price, regardless of which nationality was driving.

[handdrummer]

Proving, without a doubt, that farangs are more valuable than cars.

[Big Boy]

What this trip has told me is that despite some stupid dual pricing policies, there is still plenty to see that is free. 3 days away now, and I've only had to pay once.

[PeteC]

Thai National Park Fees Soar to 1.78 Billion Baht, Boosted by Surge in Foreign Tourists

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/06/22/t ... -tourists/

On June 22nd, 2024, Mr. Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, the Director of the National Park Office, announced the total revenue generated from national park fees from October 1st, 2023, to June 20th, 2024, amounting to 1,785,493,410 baht.

This revenue marks a significant increase compared to 2023, which totaled 1,467,641,971 baht. The rise in income is attributed to a surge in foreign tourists, driven by Thai government policies supporting and promoting tourism in Thailand.

Chaiwat highlighted that Thai marine national parks, particularly those in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, are the top earners. These areas are renowned for their stunning oceanic beauty, making Thailand a prime destination for international tourists.

The top five revenue-generating national parks are:

Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, famously known as Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi, with 500,866,577 baht.
Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga, with 243,655,470 baht.
Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park in Rayong, with 127,820,710 baht.
Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga, with 114,226,610 baht.
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, with 100,545,505 baht.

The collected national park fees will be used to enhance various facilities and services, according to national park officials. Key expenditures will include support for national park officials and human resource development, among other critical areas for the development of national parks across Thailand.

Chaiwat assured that the National Park Department has established a committee to oversee the allocation of funds to ensure transparency and accountability.

TPN media notes that many parks charge different fees for Thai nationals versus foreign nationals which is often a source of controversy and furious debate on social media platforms.

[HHTel]

expenditures will include support for national park officials

I wonder what that means. Answers on a postcard!!