Thailand's Tourist Appeal Wanes as Gripes Over Price Hikes and Dodgy Systems Mount

Travellers vent fury online about soaring costs, two-tier pricing, and the pervasive whiff of cannabis

 

Thailand, once a magnet for budget-conscious backpackers and sun-seekers alike, is facing a growing backlash from international tourists.

 

A surge of online criticism, with nearly 2,000 comments flooding a Bangkok Post Learning social media post, reveals widespread dissatisfaction with the kingdom's current tourism landscape.

 

Travellers are increasingly voicing concerns over inflated prices, a discriminatory two-tier pricing system, outdated bureaucracy, and the now-commonplace aroma of cannabis in holiday hotspots.

 

An analysis by Krungthep Turakij, sifting through some 800 of these online missives with the aid of artificial intelligence, has identified four key areas of concern.

 

Foremost among these is the perception that a holiday in Thailand no longer offers the value for money it once did.

 

 

Prices Through the Roof

The overwhelming sentiment is that Thailand has ceased to be a cost-effective destination. Accommodation costs in popular tourist areas, in particular, have seen eye-watering increases.

 

One disgruntled visitor to Koh Samui recounted: "The same hotel I paid 2,000 baht a night for five years ago now demands 6,000 baht." A European traveller in Pattaya was similarly aghast, reporting a 180-euro (around 7,000 baht) bill for a two-person dinner, sans alcohol.

 

While acknowledging global inflation, many feel that price hikes in Thailand have far outstripped typical inflationary pressures.

 

One European tourist put it bluntly: "Hotels jacking up prices from $100 to $200-300 a night can't be blamed on normal inflation. It's pure greed, that is."
  

Beyond accommodation and dining, the cost of getting to Thailand is also a major sticking point.

 

"I used to snag a flight to Thailand for just $300, but now it's nearly $1,000," lamented an American traveller. A Briton echoed this sentiment, stating: "I forked out £1,200 (about 54,000 baht) for my flight this year."

 

Even Thai nationals are feeling the pinch.

 

"As a Thai person, I can't even afford to travel in my own country anymore. Accommodation prices are too high, especially during holidays," one local resident complained.

 

A Thai woman added: "Being truly Thai, I can barely afford flight tickets or book decent hotels for a beach holiday in the south. It's too expensive for us locals."

 

 

Dodgy Systems, Visa Hassle, and a 30-Day Limit

Another significant bone of contention is the cumbersome and complex visa and immigration procedures, notably the TDAC system and the requirement for online registration three days prior to arrival.

 

"It's an unnecessary faff, especially for older folk who aren't tech-savvy," a German tourist grumbled. Furthermore, the reduction of the tourist visa duration from 60 to 30 days has irked long-stay visitors.

 

 

Cannabis Clouding the Appeal: "You Can Smell It Everywhere..."

Thailand's image is also suffering from the liberalisation of cannabis laws, which some perceive as attracting a less desirable type of tourist.

 

An Australian mother shared: "Our family didn't enjoy the constant smell of cannabis everywhere we went, especially with young children in tow."

 

A British tourist lamented, "It's not the country I remember. Now there are people stoned on cannabis all over the place."
  

Two-Tier Pricing: A Clear Case of Picking Favourites

Another major source of irritation is the inconsistent pricing structure that distinguishes between Thai nationals and foreign visitors.

 

A German tourist recounted: "I had to cough up 200 baht to enter a national park, while my girlfriend only paid 40 baht because she looks Thai. That's blatant discrimination."

 

This practice of inflated prices for foreigners extends to various services, from tourist sites and restaurants to transport.

 

 

Neighbours Offer Better Bang for Buck

Many travellers are drawing unfavourable comparisons with neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines, which are increasingly seen as offering better value for money.

 

"I spent three months in Vietnam but only one month in Pattaya. That tells you something," one tourist remarked. Another added, "Cambodia has decent hotels for just $10 a night, and their festivals are brilliant too."

 

The comparisons across Southeast Asia are stark.

 

An Australian tourist noted, "Vietnam is rapidly improving its infrastructure, with high-speed trains, clean beaches, and the Vietnamese people are so welcoming to tourists."

 

A Briton observed, "Boracay in the Philippines is far more beautiful than Koh Samui. The water's clearer, the sand's cleaner, and the accommodation prices aren't outrageous."

 

One comment highlighted the shifting value proposition: "Japan isn't that much more expensive than Thailand these days. I was in Tokyo recently and found food prices weren't higher than in Bangkok, and the service was far better, cleaner, and safer."

 

A European traveller compared: "Malaysia has better infrastructure, diverse and delicious food, and you don't get the tourist scams."

 

Indonesia and Sri Lanka also received mentions. 

 

"Bali has cheaper accommodation and food than Thailand, a strong culture, and stunning beaches," a Dutch tourist offered.

 

A British traveller suggested, "Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination with affordable luxury hotels, beautiful scenery, and friendly locals."

 

 

Quality Concerns and Tourist Swarms

The standard of tourist attractions is another key concern. A Scandinavian tourist revealed, "The beaches are filthy, full of rubbish, especially in Phuket. Kata Beach is awful. It's heartbreaking to see so much plastic waste."

 

Air pollution in major cities and hazardous cracked pavements were also cited as issues.

 

Overcrowding at major tourist hotspots, particularly Pattaya, Phuket, and Hua Hin, was a frequent complaint. An Australian tourist lamented, "Beaches that used to be serene and beautiful are now crammed with thousands of sun loungers. There's no space to relax peacefully anymore."

 

Discontent with certain groups of tourists is also souring the overall atmosphere. A British tourist recounted: "My last trip to Pattaya was ruined by tourists of a certain nationality. They assaulted my partner on the plane, and everywhere we went, they were rude to Thai people."

 

Another Australian added, "I love Thailand and have been coming here for 26 years, but the massive increase in tourists from India and Russia is making me reconsider my visits. Some areas in Pattaya now feel more like 'Little India' than Thailand."

 

Adding to the unease are safety concerns following the recent earthquake and building collapse at Chatuchak market.

 

"I'm scared to stay in high-rise buildings in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand anymore, even though I live here," a foreign resident confessed.

 

Interestingly, some Thai voices suggest that a dip in tourist numbers might present an opportunity.

 

"We need quality tourists, not just quantity," one Thai commenter argued. Another stated, "Good, maybe this will give us time to rehabilitate the environment and improve infrastructure."

 

In their final thoughts, many expressed enduring affection for Thailand but a growing concern over its diminishing value.

 

"Thailand is still a beautiful place, and most Thai people are lovely, but with the higher prices, complicated systems, and declining quality, I'll have to look at other destinations, at least for the next few years," a long-term Canadian visitor concluded.

 

Another comment warned, "Thailand is no longer the only game in town in this region. Tourists now have a plethora of options in Southeast Asia that are cheaper and offer fresher experiences. If Thailand doesn't buck its ideas up, it could permanently lose market share."

(2025/04/26-00:00)