Thailand tourism situation

[HHTel]

Agreed. I was referring to tourist tax/city tax/overnight tax that is levied in some countries. That tax doesn't go to the hotel but is a tax paid to the government.
Dual pricing, in general, in Thailand has nothing to do with 'tourist tax' and is just price gouging by the hotel and others. IMO that should be illegal. It is criticised by 'authorities' but I doubt it's actually against the law.
Taxes imposed by the government is one thing and dual pricing practiced by private enterprise is another.

[buksida]

HHTel has a massive set of rose-tinted glasses, constantly trying to justify Thailand's deplorable attitude towards foreigners because it "happens in other countries". Give it a rest FFS.

[Big Boy]

It is criticised by 'authorities' but I doubt it's actually against the law.
Taxes imposed by the government is one thing and dual pricing practiced by private enterprise is another.

It is being touted by Government sources, so which 'authority' is criticising it?

[HHTel]

I read some time ago that it was discouraged, I think from the TAT with the reason that it was hurting tourism.

Things have changed since then especially the attitude of the government who have won the backing of the courts to allow dual pricing in hospitals and schools.

However:

Thai constitution prohibits discrimination
If this is discrimination, then Thai law is very clear on the matter. Section 27 of the constitution of 2017 says “Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds of differences in origin… shall not be permitted.”

That's the current constitution. But ..... TIT.

[hhinner]

^^ No problem. Prayuth didn't swear to uphold or honour the constitution.

[handdrummer]

I read some time ago that it was discouraged, I think from the TAT with the reason that it was hurting tourism.

Things have changed since then especially the attitude of the government who have won the backing of the courts to allow dual pricing in hospitals and schools.

However:

Thai constitution prohibits discrimination
If this is discrimination, then Thai law is very clear on the matter. Section 27 of the constitution of 2017 says “Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds of differences in origin… shall not be permitted.”

That's the current constitution. But ..... TIT.

Whether or not it's "unjust discrimination" is a point of law and arguable.

[HHTel]

This is the full Section 27:

Section 27. All persons are equal before the law, and shall have rights and
liberties and be protected equally under the law.
Men and women shall enjoy equal rights.
Unjust discrimination against a person on the grounds of differences in origin,
race, language, sex, age, disability, physical or health condition, personal status, economic and
social standing, religious belief, education, or political view which is not contrary to the
provisions of the Constitution or on any other grounds, shall not be permitted.
Measures determined by the State in order to eliminate an obstacle to or to
promote a person’s ability to exercise their rights or liberties on the same basis as other
persons or to protect or facilitate children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities or
underprivileged persons shall not be deemed as unjust discrimination under paragraph three.
Members of the armed forces, police force, government officials, other officials
of the State, and officers or employees of State organisations shall enjoy the same rights and
liberties as those enjoyed by other persons, except those restricted by law specifically in
relation to politics, capacities, disciplines or ethics.

Although it does list some 'justified' discrimination it's still clear as mud.

[PeteC]

Hoteliers deride government proposal for dual pricing

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/23 ... al-pricing

Hoteliers have expressed concerns about the government's plan to set dual pricing for foreign tourists and locals, saying the move is "impractical" and demanding the administration roll out effective promotions to spur tourism sentiment in an effort to increase room rates.

The idea of dual pricing is impractical as room rates shift dynamically based on market conditions, said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association. Hotels in each tier also use different strategies to set prices, she said.

If demand increases to support hotel occupancy, then the rates will automatically increase, said Mrs Marisa.

On Wednesday, a government spokesperson said hoteliers will be asked to implement a dual-tariff structure under which foreign tourists will be charged pre-pandemic prices, while discounted rates are maintained for locals.

"Every hotelier would like to operate with higher and fair rates to gain a larger margin, but it is difficult to do so because of heated competition and oversupply. Operators have to use pricing strategy to gain cash flow," said Mrs Marisa.

In addition to a tourism plan for the international market, the government can jointly conduct domestic campaigns with the association to offer special prices for Thais and increase domestic trips, she said.

Suksit Suvunditkul, president of the Thai Hotels Association's southern chapter, said it is common for hotels to offer discounted rates for Thai residents and normal rates for foreign visitors, but hoteliers cannot raise the prices to levels tallied in 2019 because demand is too weak.

The current room rates in Phuket are still 30-40% lower than rates in 2019 and a full recovery is not expected in the upcoming high season, he said.

Half of the hotels on the island remain closed, while the volume of tourists has rebounded to only 30% of the pre-Covid level, said Mr Suksit.

He said the government should urge hotel operators to focus on the domestic market as an increase in room rates could drive locals to travel overseas instead.

The "We Travel Together" hotel subsidy scheme needs to continue until the end of the year to maintain domestic tourism momentum, said Mr Suksit.

Responding to the dual pricing proposal, Charintip Tiyaphorn, president of the Tourism Council of Krabi, said this sensitive issue could create a negative tourism image because everyone needs to be treated equally and clear communication is essential.

Krabi hotels have slashed room rates by at least 50% from levels in 2019.

Bookings are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels in the fourth quarter thanks to forward bookings from the Scandinavian market in December and support from domestic guests, she said.

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, the tourism and sports minister, said the government did not give a mandatory order about the issue, but wants to encourage hotels to shift room rates based on the market. The administration wants to avoid overpricing, support cash flow and maintain the service standards of hotels.

[buksida]

You've got to hope that business leaders and owners start to stand up to these fascist politicians/generals and there is some pushback to their ridiculous ideas.

[Nereus]

Surat Thani expects B833m from five-day holiday

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ay-holiday

SURAT THANI: A five-day holiday next week is expected to attract more than 70,000 visitors to this southern province and generate 833 million baht in revenue from tourist spending, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Surat Thani office.

Nanthawan Siripoksapat, director of TAT’s Surat Thani office, said on Saturday that 74,182 visitors – 46,429 Thais and 27,753 foreigners – were booked to visit the southern province during the five-day holiday period, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday. Wednesday coincides with Asanha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day is on Thursday.

The average spending for Thai visitors was forecast at 3,121.10 baht per head per day, and foreign visitors at 3,700.32 baht, said Ms Nanthawan.

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan and scuba driving on Koh Tao were magnets for young visitors to this southern province. Other tourist sites were also popular among tourists, she said.

The number of flights on Bangkok-Koh Samui route will increase to 19-24 a day, while the number of flights between Bangkok and Surat Thani will increase to 41-52 flights a day, she said.

c1_2342907.jpg

Visitors taking ferry services from Koh Samui arrive at a pier on Koh Phangan in Surat Thani. (Photo supplied: Supapong Chaolan)

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[Dannie Boy]

Looks like a place to avoid next week Big Boy!!

[Big Boy]

Yes, I had to check the dates. I'm looking at early August

[buksida]

Things have got so bad that the govt has to celebrate domestic tourist numbers now. "31,545 Thais sat in traffic this long weekend, happy days."

[STEVE G]

To be honest, between retired expats and Bangkok weekenders, I think Hua Hin has survived reasonably well.
We went down to Dolphin Bay today for the first time in a couple of years and every restaurant that we used to frequent has gone.

[den123]

Is it getting any better with tourist