Thailands floating markets are no longer free in Pattaya

Pattaya no longer the cheap tourist destination it used to be. This is due to a few reasons...

• Thai baht strengthening against most currencies.
• Related inflation and increases in general.
• Uninformed tourists that do not realise they are getting scammed and happily paying what they feel are small fees.

Thailand is well known for its two and even three tier pricing but the low fees being imposed on tourists in Pattaya's floating market located just south of Jomtien beach takes the cake. This is approaching typical internet MLM ( multi level marketing ) scams. It apprears that tourists that pay to be part of a tour to be taken to the market will now be charged entrance fees on arrival.

This took place on December first where previously the market was free to all visitors. The fee structure will now currently beas follows...

1. Typically free for Thai nationals.
2. A nice break for those of that live here...we can enter free with a Thai drivers license or work permit.
3. Foreigners that are brought be a Thai can also enter free as Thais are entitled to bring two guests.
4. Foreigners that show up on holiday unaccompanied by a Thai citizen will be charged 200 Baht.

All i can say is congradulations to Pattaya Floating Market and Thailand in general for showing tourists just how appreciated they are. At least this time they have showed some restraint towards ex-pats.