“Just Keep Pattaya Fair and Affordable”: Long-term tourists push back on price discrimination, say discounts should be based on contribution — “We’re Not ATMs”. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – As the debate over dual pricing in Thailand continues, long-term visitors, short-stay tourists, and locals all seem to agree on one thing: fairness matters more than a few baht at the gate. “Tourists don’t fly halfway across the world to squint at the sea behind a paywall of umbrellas and rules,” said one long-time visitor. “What made Pattaya special wasn’t luxury — it was freedom. Now it’s starting to feel like a transaction.” While dual pricing at national parks or temples might feel justified to some — “Thai people pay taxes, it’s normal that foreigners pay more,” one Thai commenter argues — others say it’s not that simple. “I pay tax in Thailand and have for over 10 years. Still no exemption from dual prices,” counters one foreign resident. Another adds, “The government wants to tax my overseas income like I’m Thai, but when it comes to admission fees, suddenly I’m not local anymore.” Some try to draw comparisons. “We do it in Florida — charge tourists more in high season. Otherwise, we’d lose local business. It makes sense,” said one American. Another shared: “In Hawaii, I just say the right phrase, and boom, I get the local discount.” But for many in Pattaya, the issue isn’t the price tag — it’s the principle. “It’s not the money,” one expat said. “It’s the system openly saying the price is X, but we’ll double it for you because you’re a foreigner. That stings.” The logic some propose is simple: reward people who contribute to the tourism economy, regardless of nationality. “If you work in this town and bring tourists to a venue, you deserve the local rate. I got free meals as a ski guide in Europe, and I wasn’t from there. That’s fair.” Another adds: “Local price should be for all locals. Tourist price should be for anyone not helping the tourism scene. It’s about your role, not your passport.” Still, others wave it off. “Hotel prices in Thailand are already too low,” says one commenter. “You won’t find anything this cheap in the UK — even in Cardiff.” One poster added, “You’re on holiday. Expect to pay. That’s the same all over the world.” But that argument falls short for long-term residents, retirees, and digital nomads who have made Pattaya home. “I’ve been here five years and barely see dual pricing,” one says, while another claims, “Try going to Had Toei in Sattahip with a Thai wife and kids. Still not welcome.” In the end, it seems most agree on a core truth: just keep Pattaya cheap, transparent, and fair — and the tourists will keep coming. As one commenter put it bluntly, “Bigger fish to fry than this lil trout.” But as long as those fish keep flopping, expect the pricing debate to keep resurfacing too.