Advice on dealing with crazy taxi drivers?

[Mikeheo]

I take taxis every day, I'm used to it, but almost every day now for the past couple weeks, if we're going a long distance, they drive like absolute maniacs. One even said to me len GTA then started driving so fast he overtook an ambulance with it's emergency lights on already going fast, by about double the speed. Yesterday coming back at 2AM one even sped past a police motorbike like he didn't care at all. Of course I can say to them in Thai to slow down but it seems like I'd have to do that in almost every ride now and risk them getting mad. No idea what's with the recent uptick in it, maybe the high fuel prices, even grab drivers have been at it. Anyone have any advice for dealing with it? Of course I could drive, but would rather not in Bangkok traffic.

[soi3eddie]

Use Bolt or Grab if available. They tend to drive safer in my experience as they might not want a bad review or complaint. Still no guarantee but I've had less problems with them. If it really bothers you then tell them to stop, pay the fare, get out and then try another taxi. Driving/Riding in Bangkok is not as bad as it looks and you would be more in control of your own safety. Parking can be an issue though.

[SheikYabodyline]

What is 'len GTA'?

[Mikeheo]

 

  

9 minutes ago, SheikYabodyline said:

What is 'len GTA'?

 

Well he spoke in thai, saying Play GTA before he started driving over 100mph

[cdemundo]

43 minutes ago, SheikYabodyline said:

What is 'len GTA'?

play Grand theft auto

[ChaiyaTH]

I almost forget how horrible it is until I need one at don muang airport. Anyway, always use grab or bolt instead. 

 

Be sure on grab to select a grab car else it can still be one of those GTA taxi’s.

[dj230]

I've only used grab and never had any issues

 

[scubascuba3]

One of the reasons i bought a bike.

 

If you usually give a tip say slow down or no tip

[Gold Star]

Just start making noises like you were throwing up in the rear seat.

[The Hammer2021]

If they are angered by a polite,reasonable request then get out. In 30 years of using taxis no driver has been angry at my polite requests to slow down. As a regular taxi user I have reliable drivers in most major cities who know me and my preferences.

[OneMoreFarang]

13 hours ago, Mikeheo said:

I take taxis every day, I'm used to it, but almost every day now for the past couple weeks, if we're going a long distance, they drive like absolute maniacs. One even said to me len GTA then started driving so fast he overtook an ambulance with it's emergency lights on already going fast, by about double the speed. Yesterday coming back at 2AM one even sped past a police motorbike like he didn't care at all. Of course I can say to them in Thai to slow down but it seems like I'd have to do that in almost every ride now and risk them getting mad. No idea what's with the recent uptick in it, maybe the high fuel prices, even grab drivers have been at it. Anyone have any advice for dealing with it? Of course I could drive, but would rather not in Bangkok traffic.

I think the easiest solution is to tell them to slow down because you are scared. Obviously they laugh about that scared farang but in my experience then they do slow down. And if not tell them to stop so that you can get out. That should focus their mind.

[Regyai]

Photo'ing their ID card on the dash and then videoing the ride should focus them further

[Letseng]

13 hours ago, ChaiyaTH said:

I almost forget how horrible it is until I need one at don muang airport. Anyway, always use grab or bolt instead. 

 

Be sure on grab to select a grab car else it can still be one of those GTA taxi’s.

Grab never comes. Wait & they cancel for a better fare. Don't like their new booking system either.

[JeffersLos]

3 minutes ago, Letseng said:

Grab never comes. Wait & they cancel for a better fare. Don't like their new booking system either.

How utterly awful. 1st world problems in a 3rd world country eh. 

[swm59nj]

I use Grab for a little over two years.  Only once I had to report a driver for driving recklessly.  So maybe grab would be a better option for you. 
I have used grab taxi also but not often.  Those drivers didn’t drive recklessly.  But maybe because they were working for grab. 

Unfortunately it’s not only the taxi drivers what  you are describing.  
  
 

 

[PeachCH]

Enjoy the ride. Be happy that they are not lame ducks. 

[FalangJaiDee]

10 hours ago, Regyai said:

Photo'ing their ID card on the dash and then videoing the ride should focus them further

That sounds like a good way to get your head caved in with a bat 

[richard_smith237]

On 3/23/2022 at 12:03 AM, Mikeheo said:

Of course I could drive, but would rather not in Bangkok traffic.

I prefer to drive myself, even in Bkk traffic for the very reasons you described. 
 

I filter out the rest of the issues Of dealing with Morons by using GrabCar (not grabtaxi or anygrab).

 

I’m vocal if I have to be and tell them to take it easy… it works in most cases. 

[vinci]

taxi driver are like a box of chocolate, you will never know which driver you will get

[richard_smith237]

11 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

And if not tell them to stop so that you can get out. That should focus their mind.

I’ve had to get out a few times, but usually when they want to watch a video on their phone on placed on the instrument display and won’t turn off their phone. 
I just tell them to pull over and get out… it’s usually in the 1st 50m so easier than spotting a nutter driver. 

 

[Hans Johnson]

Tell them to fast, if he won’t slow down in a area where there are other taxis stop him  and get out. What happened to Uber? Never had a problem with them. when my wife gets good drivers she takes their number and books them. 

[ChaiyaTH]

On 3/23/2022 at 2:53 PM, Letseng said:

Grab never comes. Wait & they cancel for a better fare. Don't like their new booking system either.

You might be in a too remote location, in that case ask around locals, sometimes they have phone numbers or line accounts with a booking person, where you can let a taxi come that behaves better, they talk via radio.

 

I used to do that with my ex in nonthaburi, just a 20-30 baht additional charge.

[ChaiyaTH]

On 3/24/2022 at 12:34 AM, FalangJaiDee said:

That sounds like a good way to get your head caved in with a bat 

or a jungle blade, seen that in the south for just 100 baht, after be threw bricks.

[JimTripper]

A slap on the back of the head may work.

[PJ71]

On 3/23/2022 at 6:59 PM, richard_smith237 said:

I’ve had to get out a few times, but usually when they want to watch a video on their phone on placed on the instrument display and won’t turn off their phone. 
I just tell them to pull over and get out… it’s usually in the 1st 50m so easier than spotting a nutter driver. 

 

do you pay them when this happens?

[djayz]

Tell him to slow down or pull over and you'll get out and take another taxi. You shouldn't have to sit there in fear of your life. 

[Hummin]

Use the same drivers you are happy with, problem solved

[Doctor Tom]

Buy a car 

[Camala34]

Well, as an option, you can contact taxi service and tell about the situation. Of course, it won't change your situation, but you can get a refund, and more people won't get into such situations with that driver

[LarrySR]

On 3/25/2022 at 3:20 PM, ChaiyaTH said:

or a jungle blade, seen that in the south for just 100 baht, after be threw bricks.

They all have a self defense weapon under the front seat.

 

Send your complaints via SMS to 1584. Time, date, taxi color, and ID number. 
Best to have a Thai do it in Thai language. 
It will cost him when he renews his permit.