Just avoid the taxis parked in front of hotels. They are too lazy to drive and look out for customers and prefer to wait until they can scam a tourist coming out of the hotel. Soi 11 in Bangkok is a good example.
If/when you need a taxi, just call one that is passing by or call one with the GRAB application.
I have been looking for Dockers pants in Pattaya a few weeks ago as well. Nowhere to be found. Central does not have them and referred me to Central in Bangkok.
In a democracy, the winner of elections becomes Prime Minister. In Thailand, the winner of elections, unless he is a general, is investigated to make sure he does not get the job.