capital

I really can't fathom why there isn't more sympathy for these two guys here. They are slashed in the face with a machete by a crazy taxi driver and the majority of members say simply to 'leave it alone'. What's going on here? And why didin't the Bangkok Post actually cover the story? It is, after all read by mostly farangs who would be interested to know what happened that night. Or are the controls on freedoms here so much that the Bangkok Post is not free to print what they wish?

Right on post.

I am pretty disgusted to say the least by the lack of sympathy to Mark and especially Sean, For Christsakes he lost an eye because of the incident. What kind of poeple are you guys, all Thaiophiles OR WHAT? Those two guys need our support and not our condemnation. Farangs need to be united when in trouble and help each other out, just like the Thais do; and especially now with the current government fuelling hatred against foreigners in Thailand. I have lived over 10 years in los and I have seen it all. True there are a few good ones but the majority are <deleted>. And I don't even talk to them when I am riding in a taxi, so no provokation from my part or my missus' part.

Just remembered,

A couple of years at the airport got myself a slip form the counter and got in a queue for a taxi. As soon as we got in the taxi I said meter on please. he laughed and drove off. I said meter please or we will get out. he stopped for a second and finally switched the meter on. The rude bastard spent the entire trip from Don Muang to Bangkapi cursing at us, braking, excessively speeding and so on. I ordered the kids and the missus to remain calm. Anyway, when we got to our destination the meter showed exactly 99 Baht, i took my luggage out first in case he was gonna do a runner and gave him a 100 Baht note. He started cursing again yelling obseinities and called me a kwai. I took the TiT approach and escorted my family in and locked the front of the gate, just in case.

6 months ago I needed to go to the ATM to purchase tickets at the Southern Bus Terminal. Anyway, the only ATM machine was out of order. Since I was not familiar with area I jumped in a taxi and said in Thai "take me to the nearest ATM". After the ######er drove me past what must have been at least 5 banks with ATM machines , I yelled stop. take me to a <deleted> ATM now.... anyway, all I can say to everyone taking the time reading this, BEWARE of the Bangkok taxi drivers, most are unscrupulous!

To mark and Sean, I am not a lawyer, but if you need help/advise feel free pm-ing me.

Oh, and never get into a "parked" taxi (near major hotels or entertainment venues) these are controlled by Thai mafia.

I truly sympathize with Sean who lost sight in one eye. Why did it have to be that way? Personally, I have had mostly negative experiences with BKK taxi drivers. I take taxis to work because I don't own a car. There are some honest ones, but the majority will go to great lengths not to give back your change. Once the fare was 60 Baht when I handed the <deleted> a 100 hundred baht not and waited for more than five minutes for my change he started yelling at me anyway, I have been BKK a very long time, so kinda know the score. Got out and walked away. It was in some dark soi near my place at 3 am! Another <deleted> drove me from Suan Siam Park in Minburi via Bangna to Ekamai! Even though I had repeadely told him to take Ramkamheang Rd and Sunday there is never traffic! Others pretend to be nice, only when you reach your destination they don't return your change... etc etc the majority, from my experience most drivers of taxis/buses/motorcycles are conmen or ex convicts. people who can't find decent employment anywhere else, perhaps?

We, the farangs in los should all be united against this kind of criminal behaviour from the part of a minority of the Thai people, and condemning it rather then condoning.

your story sounds really hard to believe, why would a thai taxi diver stab you guys,un-provoked and for no reason? i've seen some bad taxi drivers in this town, but this seems too much like the h.k. girl's story...

I fully agree with bon 1....besides what would you do if you have to confront two farangs probably twice your size.

Being educated and having living in Thailand for some time you should know it is rude to place you feet on the back seat, not only in LOS but even in your home town.

Are you sober at that time?..... ???

Rude? may be... but to attack somebody with a machette is imo way overtop.

Hi all,

Loads and loads of law firms do exist in Thailand to help with the setting up of a business for a fee. We are thinking of setting up a business here in los. However, we have so many to choose from that we're getting a bit desperate. Any recommendations from people who have used the services of certain firms like "sunbelt", "indo-group", "interco" etc? And what are the pros and cons via a vis the use of the services of a Thai law firm as opposed to using the services of a foreign owned law firm e.g sunbelt? People who have had positive and/or negative experiences dealing with certain law firms here in Bnagkok, please post your reply on this thread.

Thanks