Official Airport Taxi Scam

[jphripjah]

I guess the official airport taxi desk outside the arrival area on the lower level is not entirely scam free. A few weeks ago, I exited the airport, went up to the desk, and gave the guy (an older guy with glasses) the name of my mid-Sukhumvit Hotel. He then said what I thought was "You pay driver 40 baht." I thought he was talking about the toll or the airport surcharge and I didn't pay much attentiuon, I just said "OK."

He directed me to a driver, who had a small SUV cab, not a corolla. Interestingly, the driver seemed a little reluctant to give me my portion of the ticket bck (with the driver's info on it), I had to ask him a couple of times for it.

We started to pull out of the airport, meter off. I asked him to put on the meter, and he said I had agreed with the desk guy to pay him 400 baht. I never meant to do that, I must have just misheard the guy. I told the guy I wasn't paying 400 baht, just to let me out. He said OK, if I would give him back the ticket with his info. I said no, I was getting out with the ticket. He then agreed to use to meter, BUT he was really angry about it, claiming that he had "big car" and that I had agreed to pay 400.

Ultimately I gave him 350 on arrival at destination, which I think was more than fair, but it's interesting that the airport metered taxi desk is apparently now steering people to non-metered cars and brokering off-meter deals.

The other moral to this story is to always get the ticket with the driver's info. He seemed legitimately worried about me exitng the cab with the ticket for his failure to use the meter and then presumably lodging a complaint.

Edited September 8, 2007 by jphripjah

[peter991]

Thanks for the news about the OFFICIAL Airport Taxi Scam. We can now clear that one up. Now there's these 80 touts working the concourse that need attending to ...

Maybe THEN Thailand can have an airport they are proud of ... maybe ...

Peter

[billp]

There've been a number of threads about this. Apparently the dispatchers are squeezing the drivers for 20 baht in order to get sent likely marks who've supposedly agreed to an inflated flat rate. The meter rate to Sukhumvit should be 200 baht or less, plus tolls and 50 baht surcharge it should still come out under 300 baht. The 100 baht difference, and the 20 baht kickback don't seem like much to us, but they're real money to low-earning Thais and of course they add up. Imagine if they do this deal with 1000, 2000 people a day. Even the 20 baht kickback means 20,000, 40,000 baht per DAY in extra income for the dispatchers.

The only thing to do is insist on the meter from the beginning, theaten to call the tourist police (1155 on your cellphone), and DON'T GIVE THE DRIVER ONE SATANG MORE THAN WHAT'S ON THE METER. As far as I'm concerned, if he tries to pull a scam, he forfeits any tip.

[marshbags]

Why use the airport taxis ????

Why not enquire via the local T.Visa forum to were you are going about decent Taxis details / websites, or Tel. number.

You can then prebook giving details of your timing and confirm your booking with a guaranteed fee ( including any relevant ) toll charges.

No further worries as it will always be a dependable pick up if recommended in recent times by experienced members.

I did just that and got a 1,200 run to Pattaya from D.M., including toll charges.

If you use them going back the fee is 800 baht.

No problems what so ever.

I used the Bell bus service going back as it was recommended.

It was very good, aircon, lots of room and big reclining seats.

Plenty of room for your lugggage in the underside, while plenty of room for reasonable hand luggage on board.

I booked a day in advance and recommend the same for you or more in front if you prefer.

A nice clean, aircon room to relax in prior to boarding should you get there early as i like to do.

They also do pick ups to your hotel if you prefer ( mini bus ) prior to leaving for the airport on the bigger bus.

The driver was good and not your red bus type ???????

Just over 1 and a half hours to get there and a very comfortable professional service IMHO

It is actually more comfortable than the taxi, with a far more open enviroment.

marshbags

Edited September 8, 2007 by marshbags

[hkt83100]

Why use the airport taxis ????

marshbags

Sorry, but: Who wants to go to Pattaya anyway?

(Edited for typo)

Edited September 8, 2007 by hkt83100

[Tony Clifton]

Scumbags!

How is that bunch of no good bums still allowed to operate that table. They make it look official with signs, a ticket stub and all... nothing but a scam.

Some months ago, they even tried to scam my wife (wearing a maternity dress) while I stood back watching. I shouted the word mafia at the lot a few times. They spread out except for the guy with the glasses at the table. My wife wasn't too happy at my reaction but was clearly pissed about a Thai ripping off a Thai.

Instead go to the 2nd level, the free shuttle takes you to the bus terminal nearby (3-4 minutes) where you'll find honest drivers.

[pointofview]

Same old same old! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to get an official taxi . Just to remind or inform people , a few years ago quite a few touists who took unofficial taxis from Don Muang (old airport) were robbed and murdered and burried in shallow graves not to far from the airport. When this came to light - embassies kept it under wraps - the police started to issued tickets and recording registration details of taxis picking up from outsise the airport.

[TAWP]

Uhm, used the taxi from there yesterday and didn't have a problem. At the table was a woman seated that wrote the stubs and seemed to have an attitude of control over the taxi-guys lining up in the que.

But then again I have never had any real scam-attempts by any taxidriver in Thailand sofar...*holds thumbs*. And I use taxi many times per month. Often too lazy to wait for buss and it's kinda cheap anyway...

[pointofview]

Uhm, used the taxi from there yesterday and didn't have a problem. At the table was a woman seated that wrote the stubs and seemed to have an attitude of control over the taxi-guys lining up in the que.

But then again I have never had any real scam-attempts by any taxidriver in Thailand sofar...*holds thumbs*. And I use taxi many times per month. Often too lazy to wait for buss and it's kinda cheap anyway...

niether did the murdered tourists - no second chance there though - uhm, still kinda dead

[TAWP]

Are you high?

First you state that it's very important that one uses the official taxi and when my post states that I did you say 'neither did they'?

[pointofview]

Are you high?

First you state that it's very important that one uses the official taxi and when my post states that I did you say 'neither did they'?

sorry i misundersotod your poor use of english - and no i am not high but i assume your american

[JimmyCA]

Why use the airport taxis ????

Why not enquire via the local T.Visa forum to were you are going about decent Taxis details / websites, or Tel. number.

You can then prebook giving details of your timing and confirm your booking with a guaranteed fee ( including any relevant ) toll charges.

No further worries as it will always be a dependable pick up if recommended in recent times by experienced members.

I did just that and got a 1,200 run to Pattaya from D.M., including toll charges.

Looks like you answered your own question. 1200 is a rip

[Jersey_UK]

Interesting, but sad, is the fact that no one has said something like:-

"of course this could not be true"

Let alone:

"report this to the airport authorities"

"report this to the police"

Whether it is true or not does not really matter - just that it is beleivable to the point of causing zero surprise...........speaks volumes about people's perceptions in Thailand.

[UnknownPoster]

I guess the official airport taxi desk outside the arrival area on the lower level is not entirely scam free. A few weeks ago, I exited the airport, went up to the desk, and gave the guy (an older guy with glasses) the name of my mid-Sukhumvit Hotel. He then said what I thought was "You pay driver 40 baht." I thought he was talking about the toll or the airport surcharge and I didn't pay much attentiuon, I just said "OK."

He directed me to a driver, who had a small SUV cab, not a corolla. Interestingly, the driver seemed a little reluctant to give me my portion of the ticket bck (with the driver's info on it), I had to ask him a couple of times for it.

We started to pull out of the airport, meter off. I asked him to put on the meter, and he said I had agreed with the desk guy to pay him 400 baht. I never meant to do that, I must have just misheard the guy. I told the guy I wasn't paying 400 baht, just to let me out. He said OK, if I would give him back the ticket with his info. I said no, I was getting out with the ticket. He then agreed to use to meter, BUT he was really angry about it, claiming that he had "big car" and that I had agreed to pay 400.

Ultimately I gave him 350 on arrival at destination, which I think was more than fair, but it's interesting that the airport metered taxi desk is apparently now steering people to non-metered cars and brokering off-meter deals.

The other moral to this story is to always get the ticket with the driver's info. He seemed legitimately worried about me exitng the cab with the ticket for his failure to use the meter and then presumably lodging a complaint.

Immediately, report this to the Authorities

[jphripjah]

Interesting, but sad, is the fact that no one has said something like:-

"of course this could not be true"

Let alone:

"report this to the airport authorities"

"report this to the police"

Whether it is true or not does not really matter - just that it is beleivable to the point of causing zero surprise...........speaks volumes about people's perceptions in Thailand.

Of course it's true, since I'm hearing now that other people have posted about it also. I used the offical taxis twice in the last few weeks. The first time there was no scam attempt, only the second time, about 10 days ago (the older guy with the glasses).

Edited September 8, 2007 by jphripjah

[UnknownPoster]

It's obvious the AOT is colluding with the ground transport mafia.

Recall, the original plan was to have the regular Taxis posted at a location far from the airport. The arrivals would have to bus out to the taxi stand!

30,000 arrivals a day, all paying 600thb more than a local. THAT'S BIG MONEY and it's going into the pockets of some AOT official.

OK. That didn't work out so, next, they allow the Limo Touts free reign, hasseling arrivals and misleading them into believing they are the only option and the regular taxies relegated to an inconvienent area with no signs pointing the way.

They AOT wants you paying 900thb instead of making it convienent to take a regular 300thb taxi into town.

Now, it appears they are taking a cut of the regular taxis too.

WELCOME TO THAILAND. The cheating starts HERE.

[tartempion]

Same old same old! IT IS VERY IMPORTANT to get an official taxi . Just to remind or inform people , a few years ago quite a few touists who took unofficial taxis from Don Muang (old airport) were robbed and murdered and burried in shallow graves not to far from the airport. When this came to light - embassies kept it under wraps - the police started to issued tickets and recording registration details of taxis picking up from outsise the airport.

Seems you don't get it: the scam is AT THE OFFICIAL TAXI STAND

Might be the older guy wth the glasses is running his own little scam? (with a bunch of willing taxi drivers)

[marshbags]

Why use the airport taxis ????

Why not enquire via the local T.Visa forum to were you are going about decent Taxis details / websites, or Tel. number.

You can then prebook giving details of your timing and confirm your booking with a guaranteed fee ( including any relevant ) toll charges.

No further worries as it will always be a dependable pick up if recommended in recent times by experienced members.

I did just that and got a 1,200 run to Pattaya from D.M., including toll charges.

Looks like you answered your own question. 1200 is a rip

The guy came down from Pattaya early morning at my request and took me back there.

I consider 1200 baht reasonable and well worth it to escape the hastle.

Perhaps cynical posters should re read my post and instead of looking for fault, pick up on the fact that i,m offering my advice based on 15 years of using the system relating to taxis.

For anyone not familiar with this / on there first trip, the advice offered will steer them clear of worries and Rip Offs.

You pay XXXXXX amount getting to Thailand ( travellers ) and then think 1200 is a rip off !!!!!!

I stand by my observation and re itterate it was and is in IMHO good advice for any new tourists who wish to avoid the " taxi mafia ".

By the way i was paying 1,000 years ago and considering the rise in petrol / diesel 200 extra over the years is nothing

3 quid in my currency for the rise or approx 20 quid for the complete journey.

marshbags

P.S.

Why bring negativity into the scenario about Pattaya, F.F. sake as one other poster appears to have from Phuket ????????

By the way as all ??? Int. flights go to the new airport i,d advise using the Bell Bus both ways and sod the taxis.

150 baht each way and it,s not because it,s less either before the knockers start.

If you are going to Pattaya of course, as many of you will be, i,m sure

If anyone wishes to check the times out ect., the web site is posted in the Suv. airport forum.

I don,t think i,m allowed to post it here.

If you want details just ask on this thread..

Edited September 9, 2007 by marshbags

[JBL]

so how do you find a real metered taxi that isnt part of some kick back scam when you arrive at this airport?

[UnknownPoster]

so how do you find a real metered taxi that isnt part of some kick back scam when you arrive at this airport?

Lug your belongings to the DEPARTURE area and get a meter-taxi dropping people off.

The ground transport mafia does not let them pick up at arrivals so they should be happy to use the meter.

Strange but true.

[TAWP]

You know, if you look on the backside of the note you get, the one that says "(For passanger)" and are stamped "Service charge 50 baht" you will notice pre-printed adress and fields for sending in complaints with the taxi-drivers name and info already filled out on the front.

One of the lines says "[ ] SWITCH OFF THE MATER" [sic] - so dock this line and send in the note if you have problems with them refusing meters. It's not so hard, is it?

[lazeeboy]

You know, if you look on the backside of the note you get, the one that says "(For passanger)" and are stamped "Service charge 50 baht" you will notice pre-printed adress and fields for sending in complaints with the taxi-drivers name and info already filled out on the front.

One of the lines says "[ ] SWITCH OFF THE MATER" [sic] - so dock this line and send in the note if you have problems with them refusing meters. It's not so hard, is it?

been behind people ,thai and farang who ask how much to ? they are told 500-700 etc,the next taxi driver is told the quote and charges it ,just tell them the hotel ,destination you want and the meter goes on no problem ,its that simple .........

[Jersey_UK]

Of course it's true, since I'm hearing now that other people have posted about it also. I used the offical taxis twice in the last few weeks. The first time there was no scam attempt, only the second time, about 10 days ago (the older guy with the glasses).

Just to clarify, I am not claiming what you are saying is not true!

I was just making the point that the reaction of folk (including me!) was to take your report at face value simply because it was not unusual - but it is the internet so little anyone can provide by way of proof on anything

If someone had claimed that Elvis was driving the taxi folk may have been a bit sceptical - but in Thailand the words "Airport", "Scam", "taxi" and "Tourist" do not come as any great surprise - Sad but true.

[GallopingMajor]

Are you high?

First you state that it's very important that one uses the official taxi and when my post states that I did you say 'neither did they'?

sorry i misundersotod your poor use of english - and no i am not high but i assume your american

And I assume "your" command of English is somewhat below excellent.

[B-BOY]

This is what you should pay with a regular meter taxi:

50 baht service charge (leaflet received at taxi counter)

65 baht (25 + 40 baht for both tollways)

185-200 baht (taxi fee to hotel at Sukhumvit Soi 11, depending on traffic)

That's it. not one baht more or less.

Cheers!

[Furbie]

I can now confirm this is happening; saw it happen to the guy next to me, some French dude. He was going to a Kow Sarn Road hotel (no accounting for taste), when he told the woman at the taxi stand (the official one, where they give you the taxi receipt that says 50 baht to the driver and the complaint form), the lady told him 400 baht and he was quickly escorted away when he agreed. I am not sure if they gave him the receipt as well, as I needed to conduct my own business. But it is happening.

[Captain Chaos]

This is what you should pay with a regular meter taxi:

50 baht service charge (leaflet received at taxi counter)

65 baht (25 + 40 baht for both tollways)

185-200 baht (taxi fee to hotel at Sukhumvit Soi 11, depending on traffic)

That's it. not one baht more or less.

Cheers!

Generally, I agree ... I fly into SVB late on a Friday usually 2 or 3 times a month. My trip is down towards the river in Yannawa, even so it's only about 220 bt on the meter + 50 bt airport surcharge + 65 bt for the tollways. I usually round the fare up to 300 bt plus tolls, if the driver is any good. So far I haven't had any duffers and no attempts at 'off meter' shenanigans.

400 baht (and I'm assuming that won't include the tolls) therefore seems a blatant attempt to scam the unwary. The fact that it is not a lot of money to the average western visitor is irrelevant...

[backflip]

"It's obvious the AOT is colluding with the ground transport mafia."

Can you imagine the story that his cabbie had to tell his friends?

"I picked up a fare, and told him the fixed fare was 400THB, and he agreed to it. When we reached his hotel, he offered me 40THB, claiming he 'misunderstood' what I said. Is this the new farang scam?"

[Cuban]

I did just that and got a 1,200 run to Pattaya from D.M., including toll charges.

If you use them going back the fee is 800 baht.

I offer this point of information: The metred taxi fare from Pattaya to BKK (Suvarnabhumi) is about 750 Baht, add a few Baht for hassle, luggage and a long run etc. you see that the 800 Baht off-meter flat fee is about right and offers IMHO good value.

The off-meter rate from BKK to Pattaya of whatever you can get is, shall we say generous in favour of the taxi, about 1,000 - 1,200 Baht. For a trip of about 140 Km this gives you a cost/distance rate of between 7 and 8.5 baht per Km. (About 5 Baht per Km Pattaya -> BKK)

So when you are sitting in comfort (?) with some aircon blowing and your choice of music on cassette/CD when you get out of range or 107FM consider the cost difference at a per Km rate of your taxi compared to shall we say a songthaew?

Does this comparison of cost per Km for private hire give some basis for understanding the debate both here and within the media for fair fares.

Taxi drivers have a bad press - this is a pity as I can think of worst cases with some parts of Thailand.

Edited September 10, 2007 by Cuban

[B-BOY]

can now confirm this is happening; saw it happen to the guy next to me, some French dude. He was going to a Kow Sarn Road hotel (no accounting for taste), when he told the woman at the taxi stand (the official one, where they give you the taxi receipt that says 50 baht to the driver and the complaint form), the lady told him 400 baht and he was quickly escorted away when he agreed. I am not sure if they gave him the receipt as well, as I needed to conduct my own business. But it is happening.

400 BAHT Scam is happening:

Just spoken to friend of mine which travels once or max twice a year to LOS for vaccation. He arrived last week at Suvarnabhoomi and when approaching taxi stand downstairs, lady behind counter gave him 50 Baht receipt and asked:" 400 Baht ok?" He just replied ok, as he couldnt get bothered, too tired from flight etc and paid driver upon arrival at his downtown Suk hotel 400 and 50 Baht.

Again, AOT is out of control.. and is letting this happening!!