'English-speaking' elevators, dual-pricing
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From the experience of myself and my wife, the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital charges foreigners 50 per cent more than Thais in doctors' fees for the identical service from the same doctor.
However, I have come to understand this extra cost is fully justified by the additional service offered to foreigners when they use the elevators in the main lobby. Each time the elevator stops, the floor number is announced in English only. Also, passengers are given a clear warning, in English only, saying, “Doors closing” and later, “Doors opening”.
Now if only foreigners were as smart as Thais in observing the elevator floor indicator and watching the doors, perhaps the announcements and the dual pricing policy could be dropped. If, however, the announcements are for those visually impaired, why no announcement in Thai?
Chris Kaye
Chon Buri
