baht bus rates in Pattaya - what's happening?

[Undaunted]

For some farang 10 Baht is a big game changer!

That's sad.

[Gaybutton]

is 10 baht really a game changer?

For people who ride the baht bus every day, especially if it's several times every day, then I'd say yes - although I'd also say it's about time the baht bus drivers get a bit more than 10 baht per customer.

[Undaunted]

Just as a frame of reference at todays' exchange rate 20 baht is the equivalent of 56 cents U.S.

[lvdkeyes]

If 20 or even 30 baht is too much for some people they should just stay home. IMHO.

[mahjongguy]

Racial or not is 10 baht really a game changer?

Nope, don't care much about the price 'cause I do my best not to ride the damn things, though it might not be just 20 baht vs. 10. For a longer ride it will be 40 vs. 20.

The issue is: since there is no other simple way to define "tourist", passengers will be required to pay double based primarily on race. Better to have based it on citizenship; show your Thai ID and get half price.

[Undaunted]

don't care much about the price 'cause I do my best not to ride the damn things

For someone that doesn't care about the price, doesn't care to ride "the damn things" you are certainly caught up in the minutia.

[gerefan]

So it's dual pricing again. That's the point. That's what people (including many here) object to, not a 10 baht price rise.
Also what about private hire which for an average journey, say to Jomtien, is currently about 150 baht. Will that now be 300 for a Farang?
That would be something like 10 times the cost of a BKK taxi for the same distance. Bear in mind it's only about 350 to get to the Airport form BKK.

[Up2u]

I first came to Pattaya last century and the fare was 10 baht and the locals paid 5 baht with students riding free. Over the years the locals paid the same, 10 baht. An increase for tourists like me(I live here but I am not a citizen) is inconsequential. 20 baht is still a bargain and certainly justified as gasoline, insurance, general cost of living has increased dramatically over the last 25 years.

[travelerjim]

Hallelujah ! We agree Up2u...
20 Thai baht is a bargain and fair

Merry Christmas!

Tj

[Gaybutton]

So it's dual pricing again. That's the point. That's what people (including many here) object to, not a 10 baht price rise.

I always thought Geezer said it best: "The day I can no longer put up with the way things work in Thailand, I know where the airport is."