KunMatt

I just emailed for an appointment for next week. This is the reply i got.

I am amazed that an official British agency can give information like this. It appears a 5 year old child wrote it!!

Rule Brittania no more i am afraid!

plus to add insult to injury it is written in far cking American!!

[/size]

Importants for HMPO[/size]

*The application what apply in Bangkok, Thailand will process and be considered by HMPO in the UK at least 4 weeks up to 6 months approximately[/size]

*Please provide your passport and whole pages color copies with your signature on every pages, the other document can be in black-white.[/size]

*Thailand country only accept the payment by Credit/Debit card, require to print out and complete the payment form. Submit at the same time with document at HMOP Bangkok Center.[/size]

*The applicant need to apply in person in Bangkok, Thailand only[/size]

*No posting service but you can allow someone to collect it with your authority latter, please inform it on the day you apply.[/size]

*All documents which are not in English need to be translated into English with the official stamp[/size]

*The children no need to attend, the parent can apply on behalf of him/her[/size]

That's pathetic isn't it? How hard is it really to get a British person to one time proof read the reply email you send to every applicant?

Having said that, I didn't see any British person working at the VFS, or at the British Embassy!

Install GrabTaxi for Android or iPhone and the problem is solved. You might have to wait for a while but those Taxi drivers are great. I have tried them last week from Asoke to Don Muang Airport for 229 Baht plus I got a 25 Baht discount. Grab Taxi is expanding rapidly in Thailand and they give the drivers a 70 Baht bonus per airport trip.

So do you get better quality taxis when using GrabTaxi? What I'm really interested in is getting a taxi with seatbelts in the rear seats that I can actually use. I guess that they need to have GPS and a radio to work with the app so I'm hoping this points towards a newer and better maintained car.

My driver spoke fluent English and the taxi from the inside was ok. GrabTaxi doesn't allow run down cabs to join their programme.

That's what I was hoping. So seat belts in the back that you could use?

Install GrabTaxi for Android or iPhone and the problem is solved. You might have to wait for a while but those Taxi drivers are great. I have tried them last week from Asoke to Don Muang Airport for 229 Baht plus I got a 25 Baht discount. Grab Taxi is expanding rapidly in Thailand and they give the drivers a 70 Baht bonus per airport trip.

So do you get better quality taxis when using GrabTaxi? What I'm really interested in is getting a taxi with seatbelts in the rear seats that I can actually use. I guess that they need to have GPS and a radio to work with the app so I'm hoping this points towards a newer and better maintained car.

I am so sick of this. It's always the same whingers. Why don't you offer them b100± ?

Can anyone think of a business where owner must do something wholly against their will that ends up costing time, money or both?

Taxi drivers make a pittance, be more supportive.

Whining because they wont take your fat drunk ass down a few sois on Sukhumvhit in stand still traffic is just not good form.

Yeah, they won't take you from a transport center? That is a problem. Other than that, up to him!

Offer double meter or + 100 or stop crying.

If that post was aimed at me then nothing of what you said is true or actually happened and you just come off as a huge whinger making up parts of the story to complain and rant about.

The taxi driver that I reported wanted 5 times the regular fare, when I asked him to use the meter he just immediately drove off with me still leaning into the back of the cab and nearly drove over me while I was standing there with the door open. It was 10.30am so no traffic along the 15/20 minute route, obviously I wasn't drunk at that time in the morning coming from an appointment at the VFS, and the route was mainly highway going to a busy district where he would most likely pick up another regular fare.

If you think that his behaviour is perfectly acceptable and should be the way that taxis operate here then I more than disagree with you.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/713266-dlt-over-10000-complaints-against-thai-cab-drivers-received-in-past-5-months/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bkktaxireport

Android app: http://bkktaxi.tsadvanced.com/blog/

Phone : 1584

Email : [email protected]

web-site: http://apps.dlt.go.th/1584complain/frmComplainTuck-User.php?TuckType=88

FWIW, I've been using GrabTaxi recently with excellent results. There is a 25 baht surcharge.

http://grabtaxi.com/bangkok-thailand/

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grabtaxi.passenger

So do you get better quality taxis when using GrabTaxi? What I'm really interested in is getting a taxi with seatbelts in the rear seats that I can actually use. I guess that they need to have GPS and a radio to work with the app so I'm hoping this points towards a newer and better maintained car.

Or can any old usualvtaxi get the GrabTaxi radio/receiver?

I feel sometimes on TV that I live in a different Bkk to so many posters. I am happy that this thread was created but very disappointed by the amount of negativity towards the thousands of hard working Thais who in my opinion provide such an excellent service. Of course a more expensive and better service for the likes of the OP would be a good addition but primarily Bkk taxis are for Bkk people ! Do the maths ... 35 baht flag, heavy traffic etc etc..I take an average of 4 taxis a day in the Sukhumvit area and a few every month to the airports. I rarely get turned down and only negotiate after about 3am outside the clubs , soi 11, RCA, etc then it's usual for everyone including Thais. I also go to some pretty obscure parts of Bkk sometimes.. Samat Prakan, Bang Na, Yanhee hospital area.. Same story..great service for the price. Done this for the last 5 years. Do wd live in the same Bkk KunMatt?

Maybe the clue to the problem lies with the OP..I noticed Kun Matt clicked 'like to the sad poster who wrote..

.."Totally agree and wish that UBER will kill the business of all these low so retarded farmers..."

Maybe an attitude adjustment rather than an App would help... As I said earlier the Bkk taxi system works great for most of us and no system is perfect...

OK, so this is exactly what I said would happen in the OP, somebody would come and blame me for a taxi driver not wanting to drive me home in a taxi.

Exactly which part of my end of this contract of carriage am I doing wrong?? I need a taxi, I stop a taxi, I tell the taxi driver politely in Thai where I want to go, the taxi refuses my fare and almost drives over me as I am leaning in to explain where I want to go.

Please enlighten me what I can do to correct all of my mistakes.

So after all that RANT. Get over your little man syndrome. Get on with your life OR buy a car, easy way to get around!!!! ????

Hello quintessential General Forum everyman. Welcome to the happy hour. I've been expecting you.

Poor fella trying to scrape a living at 80p flag and average fare £ 2

And you want to do him more with a fine of 500/1000.

Beggars belief .

Good thing about BKK there's loads of taxis.

Ask max 4 .

And 1 will go .

Asking the 10+ in ain't too sure.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And here comes the typical General Forum level of response. I was going to comment that it's gone so well until now, but it's now it drunken times so I expected more of these brainless replies to come...

Brainless ??

I thought I would post from behind the wheel of a cab .

Rather than most who think we are their hired slaves.

Been driving a black cab in the smoke for nearly 20 years.

That's how I can live my life the way I want to.

In London I will only refuse if

Really. Really drunk.

Happy drunks most welcome.

Or I feel I will have a aggro at the end.

Failing that all are welcome inside.

If for example someone wants the flyers and I know the M4 Is solid I would explain to them

Better get the Heathrow express. Rather than sit in traffic. Punters are happy.

Yes we do have dodgy black cabs .

It's not an easy job at the best of times.

Has for the BRAINLESS comment. No probs been called worse.

However my brain (hippocampus) is bigger than yours.

Be lucky

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And this post has what to do with the thread or your last reply?? (apart from appearing that you really hate your taxi driver job in the UK).

Price fixing leads to shortages if, as in this case, the price is fixed too low. A free market where prices are set by negotiation between buyers and sellers is almost always a better answer.

I fully support the right of these taxi drivers to charge market rate for their services - just as I do my own. If you don't like the price you are offered, ask another driver or take the bus. It's called commerce people!

As I already said in this thread, that is fine, charge me more but give me a clean serviced taxi with full seat belts and a fully qualified driver.

But usually what I get is a stinking battered taxi with a hungover/drunk taxi driver who speeds wrecklessly and has no seat belts in the back of the car. Why should I pay full price for this level of service??

Poor fella trying to scrape a living at 80p flag and average fare £ 2

And you want to do him more with a fine of 500/1000.

Beggars belief .

Good thing about BKK there's loads of taxis.

Ask max 4 .

And 1 will go .

Asking the 10+ in ain't too sure.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And here comes the typical General Forum level of response. I was going to comment that it's gone so well until now, but it's now it drunken times so I expected more of these brainless replies to come...

Honestly, nobody likes the black market when the true exchange rate is slapped into your ignorant faces, im sure Zimbabweans were angry at shop keepers who asked for millions of Zimbabwean dollars for a loaf of bread!

OK. I don't think you really understand the two parallels you are trying to bring together but thanks for trying to be a part of the discussion.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And, Easytaxi, as well. Both work; maybe not always, but, they do work.

I now have the app if my phone. It says there are 37 taxis in my area to go to Sukhumvit for 87 baht, and the return far is similar. Will definitely try this the next time we need a taxi. b

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You do like to live dangerously...please try and remain anonymous...when you bring charges against these guys..

Have you looked into the bus and sky-train service in BKK?

Have you read any of this thread or just the title before you commented??

Exactly. If a taxi rolls up with his window down then 99% of the time he is going to ask for an extortionate fare because he knows that if you say no then a few minutes later a naive tourist will say yes. It's these people that deserve being fined because they are abusing what they do.

If you really want to see the taxi scammers try Phuket for the tuk-tuk and to call a regular taxi in Phuket

OBVIOUSLY!! But that's a different kettle of fish.

I think Phuket is so bad because it's basically an island of expats and tourists so it's what I explained in the OP taken to the most severe extreme. I'm sure that BKK taxi drivers would love to be able to do the same as their Phuket counterparts.

Yes, it's a major headache, but it's also time consuming to report.

Has anyone tried GrabTaxi or Uber?

I wonder if they'll help by at least attracting real taxi drivers and not these often aggressive people who don't want to go where you want to go

I use Grabtaxi all the time and find them very reliable and courteous. It costs 25 thb on top of the metered fare but it's well worth it.

http://grabtaxi.com/bangkok-thailand/about-grabtaxi/

I disagree with the notion that taxi drivers are obligated to take you wherever you want. I f I drove a taxi in a city with such heavy congestion, I would also refuse fairs. I would not, for example, accept a fair to anywhere on Sukumuvit at rush-hour. It's simply not worth it. I did read about a new app though the other day available here which allows you to hail a taxi using it It's a bit more expensive but a guaranteed ride. Sorry, can't remember the name of it. I read it in last Friday's Guru supplement of the BKK Post

I agree and at rush hour I would take the Skytrain home. Like I said I have lived in Sukhumvit for 5 years. What I mentioned in the OP happened at 10.30am today and there is a highway most of the way to where we live.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Yeah I'm sure police will be all too keen on stamping on a group who pay such such big money to them

Forget any kind of reporting, it's a total waste of time.

I got home and called 1584 with the taxi details, the pickup and destination and what happened. About 20 mins later I got a text saying a complaint has been submitted to his company and I will hear the result within 7 days. I wouldn't really hold much hope except my SIL's ex husband is a BKK taxi driver and he has been fined 500 baht for refusing a customer who called 1584 on him.

What details need to be reported?

The drivers name?

Taxi number?

Taxi number (on side of car). Colour of taxi. Time. Where you were and where you were going to. What happened, i. e. driver refused to use the meter and asked for 300 baht. Took 2 minutes.

Yes, it's a major headache, but it's also time consuming to report.

Has anyone tried GrabTaxi or Uber?

I wonder if they'll help by at least attracting real taxi drivers and not these often aggressive people who don't want to go where you want to go

Never heard of either of these. Do they work in BKK?

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Taxis here cost peanuts, and I want it to continue that way. If they ever enforce regulations they will HAVE to raise prices, there is no way taxis can make a profit at the current rate if they aren't allowed to choose where they want to go. I would rather wait for another taxi once in a while, than pay 2 or 3 times as much every single day.

To be honest I would have no problem paying more for a better regulated taxi service than what we have here now, but that means cars which are clean and properly serviced and maintained annually, drivers who have a real driver license and, most importantly for my current situation , seat belts and THE CLIPS accessible in the back seats.

However to achieve this you would need to replace about 90% of the cars and drivers in BKK.

Sent from my GT-I9500 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

This practice of taxi drivers with attitude problems, picking and choosing what passengers and which journeys to take has been going on in New York and London for as far back as I can remember.

Many of the black cab drivers that operate at the airports in the UK and the Yellow cab drivers of New York, prefer the naive tourists that want to travel long distances and will often refuse to do the short runs. I would not describe these taxi drivers as being part of a mafia gang, but they have definitely formed some sort of unofficial syndicates that consider themselves above the law and above any public transport regularity organisations. It now seems that this practice has caught on in Bangkok.

I'm not saying I don't believe you but I've never had a taxi driver scam me in the UK and I've taken many a licensed black cab at many airports and they've always used the meter. I've also had to call some unlicensed taxis in London with west African drivers who charge a bit more than the regular fare but this is not comparable to BKK because I am flagging down licensed taxis every time.

If mafia is involved presumably that means the taxi drivers are having to pay them in order to be able to hustle for business in the areas you are trying to get a taxi. Wrong but somewhat understandable then that if they are paying a premium to pick up in those areas, they really do need "premium" customers... by that I mean customers who are prepared to pay inflated off the meter rates.

If my assumption is correct, the only real way of stopping this practice then is to stamp out the mafia... and if the mafia is connected with the local boys in brown, not sure how progress will be made.

Applaud you for trying though.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ XA using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

As I've seen it, the mafia are the guys who wait outside the bars and hotels to pick up expats and want 1000 baht to go to the airport. They have some power to stop other taxis and tuk-tuks coming down Soi 11, but if a company car picks up from there I don't think that the company would have to pay a kickback. Obviously I'm not sure, but that's how I think it works. One time we flagged a tuk-tuk driver down who looked pretty worried, we said we wanted to go to Robinsons and asked him how much, he just said "whatever, let's go" and we jumped in and he sped off. I noticed that all of the drivers along the soi were mean mugging our tuk-tuk driver and one ran out and threw a kick at his head which he swerved to avoid. I guess that he obviously wasn't given clearance to drive his private tuk-tuk down Soi 11.

Apart from intimidation to stop other taxi cars coming down their Soi how would they know who picked up and how much to charge them, and who has to pay? They are not recording the taxi numbers. When a I say mafia, I really mean highschool mentality bullies btw!