Free Comedy Show

[chiang mai]

Got some time to kill at the airport, delayed flight or something similar, why not stroll up to Departures Level, go outside and watch the taxi/airport security show? I don't want to spoil your fun but it goes like this:

Arriving taxi's drop off their customers and then try to wait for their next customer in an area where taxi's are forbidden to collect customers. A security man with a bullhorn and a klaxon walks along the line of taxi's telling them all they have to move on and the taxi's ignore him. Occasionally he sounds his klaxon to pretend he is a security vehicle and they still ignore him. Eventually a security truck does arrive and he parks behind the line of taxi's, sounds his klaxon and tells the taxi's in front of him to move on which they do, albeit very slowly. The taxi's that have moved on, "do the loop" and fall in line behind the security vehicle. It seems to take the security vehicle about twenty minutes to move from one end of the "drop off" lane to the other and for the disbursed taxi's to reform behind him. It's entertaining to watch but only for a short time, mostly it's just pathetic confirmation of how taxi's drivers really don't care to obey any rules and how ineffectual the airport security guards are at doing their jobs. But there again, there's not too much else to do if you have to wait around the airport for a few hours.

[sutnyod]

Try to ask a taxi driver how long they have to queue for the "normal" airport taxi line. Then it will be clear why they do that. I am guilty of taking a taxi there, especially if I have no luggage.

[chiang mai]

Try to ask a taxi driver how long they have to queue for the "normal" airport taxi line. Then it will be clear why they do that. I am guilty of taking a taxi there, especially if I have no luggage.

Yes, I understand that but it all just seems so pointless and such a waste of time. I mean, what we have is a system of taxi services that simply is not effective, too many taxi's having to wait far too long to get a fare and a system of security that is nothing more than completely ineffective.

[torrenova]

But surely we didn't expect a shiny new airport and efficient services did we ?

[chiang mai]

But surely we didn't expect a shiny new airport and efficient services did we ?

I suppose you're right. Sorry, I was just having one of those Thailand moments there for a second.

[wintermute]

Try to ask a taxi driver how long they have to queue for the "normal" airport taxi line. Then it will be clear why they do that. I am guilty of taking a taxi there, especially if I have no luggage.

I always take a taxi from the departures level because they don't tack on 50 baht to the meter. Also, there's always a taxi dropping someone off there so it's easy to grab one and leave. It's much better than arrivals where there are tons of touts, government con men, and crowds of people milling around.

[donna]

i usually take a taxi from the departures area because they use the meter, and the cars are normally better. i dont care about the extra 50 baht, and sometimes just give this to them anyway.

last time i went to the 'proper' metered taxi area, i was given a yellow ticket, and told 400thb to go to the radisson. i questioned this and then they said 'ok, meter'. getting in to the taxi, the driver told me 400thb. i insisted on the meter, and with the 50thb added on, the total was 210thb.

and thats just what he got. no tip for poor form.

[bendix]

Yes, I understand that but it all just seems so pointless and such a waste of time. I mean, what we have is a system of taxi services that simply is not effective, too many taxi's having to wait far too long to get a fare and a system of security that is nothing more than completely ineffective.

Let me get this right . . are we complaining because . . ummmm .. there are too many taxis waiting for us when we get off our flight?

dam_n those airport guys. They messed up again.

As an aside, long waits for taxis waiting to pick up fares is common around the world. The taxis at Sydney regularly wait 3-4 hours; same at Auckland. Airports are there for the convenience of the airfare paying traveller, NOT the taxi driver.

[dekka007]

It's a total show. Watch the 20 baht change hands from the Taxi driver to security guard at each door point. Which then gives him immunity from the klaxons and loudhalers for 15 mins.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

But surely we didn't expect a shiny new airport and efficient services did we ?

I suppose you're right. Sorry, I was just having one of those Thailand moments there for a second.

Not thinking

[PadThaiGuy]

Yes, I understand that but it all just seems so pointless and such a waste of time. I mean, what we have is a system of taxi services that simply is not effective, too many taxi's having to wait far too long to get a fare and a system of security that is nothing more than completely ineffective.

Let me get this right . . are we complaining because . . ummmm .. there are too many taxis waiting for us when we get off our flight?

dam_n those airport guys. They messed up again.

As an aside, long waits for taxis waiting to pick up fares is common around the world. The taxis at Sydney regularly wait 3-4 hours; same at Auckland. Airports are there for the convenience of the airfare paying traveller, NOT the taxi driver.

Blah, blah, blah.

So you think the ground transport management at the new Airport are doing a professional job, eh?

[bendix]

When I drive to the airport, it's cheap and easy to park near the terminal.

When I want a cab from the airport, I've never waited more than 2-3 minutes and never had issues with overcharging.

So - yes - from my perspective, all is well. Thanks for asking my grumpy woe-is-me friend.

[ajahnlau]

Try to ask a taxi driver how long they have to queue for the "normal" airport taxi line. Then it will be clear why they do that. I am guilty of taking a taxi there, especially if I have no luggage.

I always take a taxi from the departures level because they don't tack on 50 baht to the meter. Also, there's always a taxi dropping someone off there so it's easy to grab one and leave. It's much better than arrivals where there are tons of touts, government con men, and crowds of people milling around.

Sounds like you should be taking a bus if worried about 50bht.

[Zpete]

Bus is 35 Baht into Victory Monument.

32 Baht to Asoke/Sukhimvit where I hang out.

Takes alot longer, but Taxi Meter is nigh on 500 Baht.

Lotsa time, use the frre bus shuttle to bus depot.

I have an aversion to being ripped off.

The other buses at 150 Baht are pretty good, drop ya off almost where ya going.

Check with driver before usimng.

[niggle]

What should the approx fare be from new airport to KhoSan area ?

[Zpete]

What should the approx fare be from new airport to KhoSan area ?

35 Baht

[chiang mai]

Yes, I understand that but it all just seems so pointless and such a waste of time. I mean, what we have is a system of taxi services that simply is not effective, too many taxi's having to wait far too long to get a fare and a system of security that is nothing more than completely ineffective.

Let me get this right . . are we complaining because . . ummmm .. there are too many taxis waiting for us when we get off our flight?

dam_n those airport guys. They messed up again.

As an aside, long waits for taxis waiting to pick up fares is common around the world. The taxis at Sydney regularly wait 3-4 hours; same at Auckland. Airports are there for the convenience of the airfare paying traveller, NOT the taxi driver.

Er, we're talking about the taxi show on the ARRIVALS level, not DEPARTURES!

[Zpete]

Yes, I understand that but it all just seems so pointless and such a waste of time. I mean, what we have is a system of taxi services that simply is not effective, too many taxi's having to wait far too long to get a fare and a system of security that is nothing more than completely ineffective.

Let me get this right . . are we complaining because . . ummmm .. there are too many taxis waiting for us when we get off our flight?

dam_n those airport guys. They messed up again.

As an aside, long waits for taxis waiting to pick up fares is common around the world. The taxis at Sydney regularly wait 3-4 hours; same at Auckland. Airports are there for the convenience of the airfare paying traveller, NOT the taxi driver.

Er, we're talking about the taxi show on the ARRIVALS level, not DEPARTURES!

Until Swampy opened, I caught Taxi Meter at departures, at Don Muang.

No probs. Saved airport tax.

Edited January 1, 2008 by Zpete

[billp]

Zpete, if you have all this time and know your way around, I think the Victory Monument plus BTS route is a great way to save money. But the taxi fare with meter from Suvarabhumi to Asoke is more like 200 baht on the meter, plus 50 baht airport surcharge, plus 65 baht tolls (optional). So approximately 300 baht in total, NOT 500 as you stated.

#15 For Khao San Road, the taxi fare is approx 350 baht, the Airport Express charges 150 a head (so if there's more than one person, you may as well take a taxi), and the 556 van (destination Southern Bus Terminal) goes by KSR and costs about 40 or 60 baht.

[Zpete]

Zpete, if you have all this time and know your way around, I think the Victory Monument plus BTS route is a great way to save money. But the taxi fare with meter from Suvarabhumi to Asoke is more like 200 baht on the meter, plus 50 baht airport surcharge, plus 65 baht tolls (optional). So approximately 300 baht in total, NOT 500 as you stated.

#15 For Khao San Road, the taxi fare is approx 350 baht, the Airport Express charges 150 a head (so if there's more than one person, you may as well take a taxi), and the (destination Southern Bus Terminal) goes by KSR and costs about 40 or 60 baht.

OOOOOOOPs, error, meant about 300.

Musta brain mxt up with Phuket to Chalong, dat is nigh on 500 now.

I found out the Taxi Meter is now airport tolled from HKT, Phuket, 100 baht.

Tis new last year.

Teach me not looking properly once posted.

On return to Swampy, with early flite, I get a cab and avoid all tolls, costs about 170 baht from Asoke.

Actually, bus to Asoke/Sukhimvit is great.

You get the BTS and Metro adjoining, go most anywhere.

Ta for the 556 van tip. Neva stayed in KSR area as yet.

Lil Thai Gal lives near Lumphini, Silom a fave area..

Edited January 1, 2008 by Zpete

[Flash777]

Is it possible find taxi from Airport to MBK for 300 THB ?

[Zpete]

Is it possible find taxi from Airport to MBK for 300 THB ?

Check out the people around you.

Speshully if you are solo traveller.

Ask if they are going same way.

SHARE and you will easily get there for less.

In all reality, taxi meter is one of cheapest cabs most anywhere.

[billp]

300 is the average price for a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to MBK. About 230 if you don't use the toll road.

[samran]

i usually take a taxi from the departures area because they use the meter, and the cars are normally better. i dont care about the extra 50 baht, and sometimes just give this to them anyway.

last time i went to the 'proper' metered taxi area, i was given a yellow ticket, and told 400thb to go to the radisson. i questioned this and then they said 'ok, meter'. getting in to the taxi, the driver told me 400thb. i insisted on the meter, and with the 50thb added on, the total was 210thb.

and thats just what he got. no tip for poor form.

I've had the driver try on the 400 baht trick on me (though he turned on the meter when I told him to take running jump) and it ensured me a ride home listening to him grumbling about how unprofitable being at the airport was.

Another friend who was here in December had the 400 baht trick pulled on her in Dec, and it has come up a couple of times here on TV, so something is happening at the airport to increase the frequency.

I know I'm mega-guitly of taking the piss on this particular subject in the past, but it appears that the taxi drivers at the airport appear to feel that they aren't getting paid enough these days. Something is wrong with the queing system me thinks which is making them wait for too long.

[Payne]

I also use the departures floor for taking a taxi to town. after a long flight I dont have time to line up downstairs. Never had a problem.

[PadThaiGuy]

The transportation 'games' continue, more than a year after the airport opened.

Another letter to the editor in the Saturday, Bangkok Post confirms the arrival area is still full of limo touts, misleading tourists.

Friends of mine arrived the other day and the taxi desk quoted them 400thb.

Thousands of travelers everyday are getting the shaft out there.

That's a rotten way to greet visitors to thailand. What is the airport management thinking?

Certainly the ground transport manager is taking payments from the touts/transport mafia to let this scam continue.

They have security chasing away empty Taxies at the departure area but have zero security chasing away the liar/cheats/scam/limo tout squad, crowding the arrivals area.

Strange but true.