Report Bangkok Police Clamp Down on Taxi Driver Misconduct in Tourist Hotspots

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of Tourist Police Bureau Facebook

 

In a concerted effort to safeguard Bangkok's reputation as a welcoming city for tourists, law enforcement is rigorously cracking down on unscrupulous taxi drivers. A major sweep in the city's bustling tourist areas saw 76 taxi drivers arrested for various infractions, from refusing rides to dodging meter use and obstructing traffic.

 

On May 27, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Pueak-am, the head of the Tourist Police Bureau, mandated strict enforcement to ensure taxi drivers adhere to the rules. This includes using the meter for every trip, not declining passengers, and parking without blocking thoroughfares.

 

Police Colonel Milin Phianchang spearheaded the operation, with support from officers of Chana Songkhram, Phra Ratchawang, and Lumphini stations. The crackdown led to the arrest of 11 drivers for meter avoidance, five for refusing passengers, and 60 for illegal parking that impeded traffic flow.

 

“We will not tolerate illegal behaviour that damages Bangkok’s reputation as a tourist-friendly city,” stated Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira. Legal proceedings are now in motion for all offenders, signalling a clear zero-tolerance approach towards misconduct.

 

The police urge taxi drivers to abide by the law, reminding them that fair treatment of passengers is non-negotiable. Tourists are encouraged to report any instances of misconduct they encounter, aiding the authorities in maintaining high service standards.

 

For tourists, reliable and honest taxi services are pivotal in exploring Bangkok's diverse attractions. With this crackdown, police aim to restore faith in the city's taxi services and ensure a positive experience for the millions of visitors who trek to Thailand's capital each year.

 

The intensified measures come amid increasing reports of overcharging and unfair practices that risk tarnishing Thailand's image as a tourist-friendly nation. Through proactive enforcement and routine checks, authorities hope to curb such practices, thus preserving Bangkok’s appeal and integrity as a vibrant, tourist-friendly destination.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-27

 

 

[wozzlegummich]

These thugs and thieves need to be brought down a peg or two. Every business has to put up with competition and newcomers to their industry. Any of these morons who try to blockade the Airports need to lose their taxi AND drivers licences for 5 years.

A taxi driver with "Broken Meter" sure backed down when I started yelling POLICE at Suvarnabhumi after he demanded a ฿3000 fair from Sukhumvit in January.
 

[nightfox]

No wonder why everyone these days uses riding apps.

[Yagoda]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The crackdown led to the arrest of 11 drivers for meter avoidance, five for refusing passengers,

 

6 minutes ago, nightfox said:

No wonder why everyone these days uses riding apps.

My problem with ride apps is the occasional wait. I always try to give taxis a chance, since they are right there in front of my nose. But then you get the refusals, that truly rumple my undies, especially when I am standing, at non rush hour, On Suk say at Thong Lor and flag one down THE SAME DIRECTION to Nana and get told 300 baht. Meter would be 50 or 60. Hes going that way anyway. Hope someday you get busted for this. O well, call Grab.

 

 

 

 

[tomazbodner]

This should be done every day.

[Andyfez]

Before covid there used to be a telephone app where you could report this type of thing.

[klauskunkel]

Quote

Bangkok Police Clamp Down on Taxi Driver Misconduct 

Looks more like "imploring" than "clamping down" to me

[new2here]

In my opinion, we are past the “carrot” approach in the carrot and stick system.. I think the authorities have done faaaaar more informing than is really necessary.

 

So.. at this point, any non-compliance really is simple willful non-compliance.. 

 

Therefore, it’s time for the stick… and by definition, the stick is supposed to “hurt” — it’s punitive and should be felt and interpreted as such by offenders.
 

Seize and impound vehicles of offenders .. Yes, some of the vehicles aren’t owned or are leased by the offender/driver, that’s true.. but it should still be seized - allow it to be returned it to the owner after X days in impound, and the driver now is liable for all fines, impound costs and lost revenue while it’s in impound.

 

Start applying mandatory jail times .. not weeks or months.. but days… and make it mandatory..
 

To me, once you start taking and seizing people’s stuff and taking their freedoms away - you’ll see change.  

[madone]

if only they could convice them to stop pissing on my front wall.

[hotchilli]

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a concerted effort to safeguard Bangkok's reputation as a welcoming city for tourists, law enforcement is rigorously cracking down on unscrupulous taxi drivers. A major sweep in the city's bustling tourist areas saw 76 taxi drivers arrested for various infractions, from refusing rides to dodging meter use and obstructing traffic

And probably missed hundreds

[Blueman1]

16 minutes ago, madone said:

if only they could convice them to stop pissing on my front wall.

 

16 minutes ago, madone said:

if only they could convice them to stop pissing on my front wall.

Think Yourself " Lucky " Uber Drivers waiting around Heathrow Airport are Shiiting in peoples Gardens  !!

[chuang]

The taxi nuisance has been going on for generation how are they going to enforce it.... Corruption Corruption Corruption 😕 

[CygnusX1]

In my experience, taxis from Suv airport usually use the meter, comes to about 400 baht to Phrom Pong, and I leave a 100 baht tip. Couple of weeks ago driver wanted 600 baht, no meter, and I had no problem with that, peanuts compared to what I’d be paying in Australia for the same time and distance (although he didn’t get a tip). Bangkok taxis are a huge bargain.

.

[terryofcrete]

50 meters from the rank at swampy the guy asked for 800 to Silom … I said stop the car get my bag and I’m going back to the rank to report you. How much you pay …I said no …get my bag . And he said meter meter …390 it was and no tip . 

[Maybole]

This will only last until the net brown envelope.

[Maybole]

Just now, Maybole said:

This will only last until the net brown envelope.

Sorry, next brown envelope.

[Red Forever]

In anticipation of the usual taxi bashing posts I’m happy to report that during a short break in Bangkok I used many taxis with only positive things to report.

 The icing on the cake was the metered taxi from Silom to BKK fare: 315 baht.

Bargain!

[saintdomingo]

21 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

In anticipation of the usual taxi bashing posts I’m happy to report that during a short break in Bangkok I used many taxis with only positive things to report.

 The icing on the cake was the metered taxi from Silom to BKK fare: 315 baht.

Bargain!

BKK where.? Or do you mean the airport.?

[saintdomingo]

4 hours ago, Red Forever said: