Why do Thai people charge English people more than their own people?

1. 88

   mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years ago

   Why do Thai people charge English people more than their own people?
   
   When it Thailand it is very obvious that there is one price for the Thai people, and a hugely inflated price for the same things charged to English people (farangs). This seems incredibly unfair when they make no secret of the fact they will charge treble the price (or more) to a non local immediately after charging the lower price to a Thai person. If you question this they get incredibly angry because they 'lose face' if caught out. Why is this okay to them, and should the Thai government not step in and stop this before it begins to impact on their tourist industry?

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2. 39

   Borsiaposted 12 years ago

   This happens in almost every country where prices aren't posted.
   The best strategy is not to fall for it. Just say that their price is too high and walk away,,, don't look back or act like you need what they are selling.
   They will soon come after you with a much lower price, but hold out for a price that is only a few cents above the local's price.
   If they get angry that is their problem and if you come again they won't try to rip you.
   The thing to do is to bring a local friend to barter. stay out of the way, preferably out of sight, until the deal has been struck then step up to pay.
   The next time this vendor will know that you aware of the real prices and that they can't scam you.
   If you pay the high price it is YOU who is loosing face ad respect. Very quickly word will go around that you are an easy mark and you will get high prices from everyone who can.
   As to why they do it? It is largely cultural.
   It also comes somewhat from foreigners acting like they are above locals. The best thing is to be friendly and never talk down to people. Take a few minutes to chit-chat as best you can even if it is only possible through gestures. If they feel like you have some commonality they will be less likely to try and rip you off.
   If you are going to be there for awhile return to the vendors who give you the best prices ad service and pretty soon you will get the local prices, or close to them.

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   1. 88

      mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately it even happens to English people who live there and are married to Thai people too (as my friend was), often it is things like petrol, taxis, groceries they overcharge for, not touristy things alone. It seems worse than other places.

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   2. 39

      Borsiaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      They will overcharge for everything that doesn't have a marked price. Food being the most common. You also have to watch that the gasoline is started at 0 not where it last stopped.
      Its just part of 3rd world life.

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