The New Mantra for Taxi Drivers in Bangkok

[TotallyOz]

They must get together and talk about what to say to falangs. I took 3 taxis today. 2 our of the 3 all told me how sorry they were the city was dead. They also proceeded to tell me how they only made 100 bath the whole day and business was dead for them.

 

When I got into a taxi outside of Soi Twilight, the taxi did not ask for 100 baht but simply turned the meter on and went to my hotel. Nice to see that happened.

 

I am sure the lack of foreigners coming to the airports is really killing the business in Bangkok.

 

A friend had to fly into Phuket today and take a taxi to Bangkok. Cost 12,000 baht. I guess some lose and some win. I just hope I don't get the 100 baht story all day tomorrow.

 

I am planning a trip to Chiang Mai and consulted a taxi as to the cost as well. It will be around the same to go to Chiang Mai. About 12-14000 baht.

 

I hope the airports open up soon!

[Guest MonkeySee]

I am planning a trip to Chiang Mai and consulted a taxi as to the cost as well. It will be around the same to go to Chiang Mai. About 12-14000 baht.

Have you thought about taking the train?

 

[Gaybutton]

Have you thought about taking the train?

 

Buses and vans are also available. There is no reason to have to spend 12,000 baht to go to Chiang Mai.

 

You could also postpone the trip until this nonsense comes to an end, which probably will not be much longer.

[Guest Steve1903]

As the saying goes, "every cloud has a silver lining". In this case the taxi drivers get a few good hires they wouldn't otherwise had. Myself, I like nothing better than a public transport strike. Same effect and all round.

[Guest fountainhall]

I think taxi drivers in Thailand are generally a great bunch of people. Yesterday I found the rotten apple. For the short distance from my apartment to Silom, he insisted on having the radio on at an ear-busting level. With mobile phone in hand, I asked him to turn it down so I could make a call. He tweaked it fractionally, then turned it up again. Same when I made a second call. I then opened the window as the taxi wreaked of stale air freshener. Within seconds, it was closed. I opened it again. He closed it again. When I politely said I'd like some air, he growled something, shook his head and refused. Realising argument was pointless, I told him to stop, got out, and for the first time ever in Thailand, gave him the exact amount on the meter. I also noted his details as I fully intend to register a complaint - again for the first time.

[fedssocr]

In general I think most taxi drivers here are great. I don't know how they survive, frankly. But then you have the guys who troll Suriwong telling you Bt100 or 200 for a ride that should cost less than 50 on the meter. Does anyone really fall for that? Are people so drunk coming out of the bars that they just agree? I always just laugh at them and close the door. And then walk a few hundred meters and flag down an honest driver who just turns on the meter. The first driver could have made an easy fare for a relatively short drive and been back on the road quickly, but decided to try and rip me off instead so he gets no money and keeps on driving his empty cab.

[Guest fountainhall]

But then you have the guys who troll Suriwong telling you Bt100 or 200 for a ride that should cost less than 50 on the meter. Does anyone really fall for that?

 

I suppose some must - otherwise they wouldn't do it. Perhaps these are mostly older guys who fondly remember the days before metered taxis (not so long ago) when you had to negotiate the price. Like you, I avoid them and pick up one further down the street.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Does anyone ever use the Pattaya Taxi Meters since they refuse to use the meter and ask for exorbitant rates within Pattaya?

[Guest travelerjim]

Does anyone ever use the Pattaya Taxi Meters since they refuse to use the meter and ask for exorbitant rates within Pattaya?

 

NO! Never will use them...

such fools...but - TIT - it is their taxi...and company...

and they can keep them sitting on Second Rd by the new shopping complex...

idling hour after hour...looking for tourists who are willing to pay their price.

 

So sad...because I believe many expats and more tourists

would use them if they truly would use the meter.

 

tj

[Gaybutton]

Maybe it's just Bangkok, but I was under the impression that it's illegal for them to refuse to use the meter no matter where they operate in Thailand. I'd love to be able to recommend who to contact to register complaints, but I have no idea. If somebody knows, please post the information. I don't know if complaints will do much more than complaints about everything else, but it can't hurt to try.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Maybe it's just Bangkok, but I was under the impression that it's illegal for them to refuse to use the meter no matter where they operate in Thailand. I'd love to be able to recommend who to contact to register complaints, but I have no idea. If somebody knows, please post the information. I don't know if complaints will do much more than complaints about everything else, but it can't hurt to try.

 

I think it would be fool hardy to complain even if we knew where to complain.

[Guest fountainhall]

The Tourist Police might be a start, but I think you'd have to make a specific complaint about a specific taxi. But I supose you probably have to be a tourist!