The temple in bangkok?

Question

when i visited thailand a couple of years ago i visited the great temple in Bangkok, and to go in the main part where the emerald budda sits it cost 20 baht for non-thais to enter but was free of charge to thais. a lot of foreigners were complaining about discrimination against foreigners and technically this is true, and of course this wouldn't be allowed in europe/us/australia etc, but i thought it was ok, because they are putting their own people first and allowing true Buddhists to enter freely, but charging a nominal amount to non Buddhists for the upkeep of the temple, what do you think, discrimination or sensible

Answer 1

u have to pay man

its only 20 baht

thais already pay taxes

n like labors' minimun wage in thailand

is 144 baht per day in provinces (= 18 baht / hr.)

and 191 baht per day in urbanized cities (=21baht/hr.)

when u farangs get at least 7$ per hour = 300baht??

and u don't wanna pay? and u want us to pay too eh?

if u dont like it then dont come here

sorry for missing the point

and sorry fot my poor english

Answer 2

This has been an issue for years, not only at the temple, but also at national parks in Thailand.  Just think of it as a members only club and non members have to pay an additional fee.  If your against the fee just don't go in. Mai pen rai.

Answer 3

Thais more than likely buy lotus, incense and candles or give donations in the temple if they have money because that's what they do so I'm very conflicted on this.  

And a fuss over $.75 maybe they just got cheated on the taxi or tuk-tuk ride and this was the straw that broke the camels back.   I don't think its discrimination maybe if they had a sign explaining better why (but then it wouldn't be Thailand).  

Answer 4

the value of western money is huge compared to the Thai Baht. if they can make profit, why not?

20 baht isn't even 50 cents. they shouldn't be complaning...

its not discrimination or sensibility, it's business.

Answer 5

It's discrimination.

But think about it this way, how easy was it for you to get into the country?

For Thais to go abroad, the visa process could be a b*tch and very discriminating.

Not to mention the fees.

Answer 6

Yes, I know Thais don't have to pay for entrance into the grand temple, but I think they also give the foreigners a booklet which they didn't give it to me as a Thai as well. So, think of it as you pay for the guidebook. Not all Thais can't read English you know.

Besides, I do pay to get in the national park as well. They need lots of money to maintain roads, feed the monkeys sometimes and as much as we have oversight, there are loads of staff working there and they need to pay the salaries as well.

Answer 7

Well, the Thai pay their taxes from wages and VAT taxes.  Foreigners or farangs will get refunds for VAT taxes.  So, other than admission fee of 800 baht to the grounds.  I don't think 20 baht is such a huge amount to see the Emerald Buddha.  They could just charge everyone 820 baht but I know when I was there, I did not visit the temple.  

It's not discrimination, not everyone goes in there.  The Thai or locals pay for it in some way of tax.  Non Thai pay for it directly.  

To me Buddhism is not a religion but, a philosophy of life.  So, I can pray or wish or whatever anywhere I am.  To see the Emerald Buddha, eh, an 8 inch sorta green piece of stone.  I don't think so. The spirit of Buddha and his teachings is in the heart and mind and soul.  Not in your pocket book.  So, if that what it costs to see it then so be it.  

I don't quite understand the objection of USD .60.  When you spent more than that getting there.  

Have a good day.

Answer 8

Actually the government's charge to enter the palace including the temple now costs about 300+ THB for foreigners. I think it isn't sensible at all. It's kinda upsetting to know that you went to their country to visit, their tourism got high and yet you gonna be charged for places to visit. But i don't blame them at all. Maybe it's their way to "earn" as well. To think that a lot of foreigners visit the country.