Thailand needs a UK-style tourist entry pass

This dual-tier-pricing issue goes on and on like a broken record, taking up valuable Letters Column real estate that could be given over to more business news – or cartoons. People either agree with it or they don’t.

As a frequent visitor to Thailand since dinosaurs roamed Khon Kaen, I have seen most of its attractions, from huge rainy-season waterfalls that I would have gladly paid Bt1,000 to experience to the drips they become in the dry season. I have also paid Thai entry fees simply because park officials were ashamed to charge different prices for the Caucasians and the Thais in our car.

Britain has a Touring Pass administered by the National Trust (a charity). Both UK citizens and tourists can purchase these passes, which offer free access to tourist sites for either seven or 14 days. Annual and life memberships are also available.

Isn’t it about time that the Thai government departments involved – the Tourism Authority, Thai Airways, etc – sent their staff and key decision-makers to the UK to see how this is implemented? Returning with knowledge and facts, they could set up an agency to put this system into practice.

Passes could be purchased at tourist hotspots such as airports, train stations, shopping malls and airline websites and publicised with a high-profile ad campaign.

Gould

Hong Kong