Taxi Scam Alert - Genuine Taxi, Won't Use The Meter

[Kf6vci]

Hi All,

I cannot help noticing taxi drivers using someone else's yellow identity cards, or there might be none

on the dash board.

Well, my mate ended up paying an outrageous 1,300 Baht. I took the cab's number,

he photographed the yellow

driver's ID card, but it was someone else's.

Called Tourist Police, no update, just them following up with some questions.

The jury is still out - just report it when something like this happens to you.

And when a taxi won't use the meter, get out!

***

This taxi was circling and not waiting in line...

Be careful,

Chris

[tonititan]

So the driver refused to use the meter? Tell your friend that next time, he should say no thank you and get out!

[steelepulse]

Did your friend not agree to a price before he left?

I was just at Swampy a few days ago and got a meter taxi. He says meter is broken but will take us to Sukhumvit for 500. I tell him no and that I know a meter will be 200 baht. We then agree to 350 and I tell him to take the expressway. He balks at this and says I must pay expressway fees, but I tell him that he now has lied twice to me, once about the broken meter and once about the price that he agreed upon. He wasn't happy but we did take the expressway and the price was 350.

BTW his picture and taxi id was turned around so we could not see it.

[neverdie]

Given that there are thousands of taxis around, especially swamp, if you get in one that wont use the meter, get out and get in the next one. 1300 baht, no way in the wide world I would pay that.

[jackspratt]

Hi All,

I cannot help noticing taxi drivers using someone else's yellow identity cards, or there might be none

on the dash board.

Well, my mate ended up paying an outrageous 1,300 Baht. I took the cab's number,

Out of interest, where did the taxi take your friend?

If it was to Udon Thani, for example, he got a very good deal.

[neverdie]

^Jack, the destination was mentioned in the topic heading as into 'town', which I take it meant somewhere in Bangkok.

Edited November 25, 2009 by neverdie

[jackspratt]

^Jack, the destination was mentioned in the topic heading as into 'town', which I take it meant somewhere in Bangkok.

Thanks nd - missed that bit

[neverdie]

^ that happens because when the title is 'long' like this one, only half of it shows up on the various screens.

you have to wake up early to catch neverdie out, as you know

[Kf6vci]

www.pgp.co.th about 6 km from the old Don Mueang airport DMK.

Here is the iD card - regrettably someone else's. The driver was an

elderly man, very short / thin with thick spectacles.

The other day a mate's car was stolen. He looked at the security video and

recognised the thief! A Thai aquaintant - who must have grabbed spare keys.

So we should get the license plate as well. I just wrote down the outside number on the taxi.

Chris

[scorecard]

Well I arrived back into swampy about two hours ago.

Lined up to get the taxi document (which shows the 50 Baht service charge). Couldn't help but hear the conversational going in with the Japanese man in front of me, he's in a conversation with the girl at the desk and the actual driver. Japanese man struggling with English.

Girl and driver telling him that 1,200Baht is the price to go to Suk 24, and that 1,200 is a very special price for Japanese people.

I didn't say anything but the girl can see from the look on my face that I'm not impressed. Suddenly girl looks at me and tells me to go to another line.

[chiang mai]

I have difficulty believing some of these stories, not that they are necessarily untrue but that people can be so silly! Fine if it's your first time to Bangkok but if not, the rules are pretty clear to most folks - and even if they're not clear, sitting in the back of a cab within full view of the meter, it shouldn't be that difficult to notice that some thing's not quite right, long before the fare goes past a few hundred baht. Look, if the meter is off, tell him to switch it on and if he doesn't, get out of the cab and get another one. If you're driving along and the meter suddenly jumps a few hundred baht, challenge the driver there and then. If the meter is ticking over faster than seems sensible, again, challenge the driver.

[Mosha]

Earlier this year I spent some time in Si Saket at my brother in laws. When I got to the northern Bus station on my way home, and I caught a taxi at the legal stand to go to Sukhumvit 7. The driver asked as we st off, "How much you pay?" I replied "Whatever is on the meter." Which he hastily turned on. I then had to listen to him ranting and raving for 30 minutes about Farangs wearing seat belts.

[jackspratt]

you have to wake up early to catch neverdie out, as you know

If it is OK with you nd, I will continue to sleep in

[neverdie]

^Sure Jack, at your age I suspect your spending alot of time sleeping .

Backl to the taxis,

I never have problems trying to get the idiot drivers to turn the meter on, I just hate it when Im at point A and want to goto point B & the drivers refuse to take you (obviously because of traffic or whatever). Many times when this has happened to my gf, I always watch in amusement as she virtually inverts the passengers door as she closes it extremely firmly, strangely enuf none of them ever get out to challenge her they just move off probably before stopping to tend to their bleeding ear drums .

[jackspratt]

^Sure Jack, at your age I suspect your spending alot of time sleeping .

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..............

[YouYouYou]

I went thro suwannaabummii about a month ago. Before I've never had any probs with the taxi dudes there ..until the last time.

Went to the desk and asked how much to my town west of BKK a litten bit ....1000 baht ..ok ...ask the driver not 15 metres away same Q ...errr 1400 baht ! Mmm ...I'm speaking fluent Thai all the time LOL.

Okay I walk away laughing (no confrontation required eh) and have a ciggy ...back 10 mins later ...same Q's to desk and driver (different people) Ans: Desk 1000 baht, Driver 900 Baht !!! lol (not bad for a 110KM journey and same price as a year ago)

It's getting random ....suggestion if not happy, chill for a few mins then come back LOL. Must admit thou, its a poor impression for the tourist/first visitor eh.... 'Yim dii toon rap muang Thai'

I know its off the topic here but met a guy on Khao San road 10 years ago who got out of a Tuk Tuk in front of me from Hua lam pong train station who paid 600 baht for his journey ...now there's a bit of inflation eh

[cdnvic]

Girl and driver telling him that 1,200Baht is the price to go to Suk 24, and that 1,200 is a very special price for Japanese people.

How do people who fall for these simpleton scams even manage to get on the right plane?

Most scams in Thailand are so half-baked and transparent that it's like getting outwitted by a soi dog.

[mca]

Looking at the price of things in Japan vic I reckon the Japanese bloke thought he was getting a bargain.

I remember when I worked in BKK we had a Japanese client who went shopping before he returned home pleased as punch that he'd managed to buy some (I seem to recall) Hello Kitty souvenirs for his daughter from a street stall. He proudly displayed a HK pendant and said "Only 300 baht!"

I didn't have the heart to tell him that they were usually sold for about 50.

[hhgz]

"I didn't have the heart to tell him that they were usually sold for about 50."

Do you buy a lot of Hello Kitty souvenirs?

[NanLaew]

The OP's mate chose to try and save money and flag down a 'circling' taxi.

That was mistake #1. That is akin to swimming with sharks.

Then the OP's mate doesn't negotiate a rate UP FRONT.

That was mistake #2 and just silly.

Then the OP's mate complains about his 2 fundamental judgmental errors.

That was mistake #3, makes him look like a wally.

Then the OP posts this wally mates anecdotal tale here.

That was mistake #4 as it makes the OP look like like he condones wallyness.

As for the chap overhearing the official taxi 'manageress' setting up the unfortunate Japanese chap for a rip off, tough luck for the Japanese guy. I remember Japanese guys getting hosed by Thai Customs at Don Muang about.... 18 years ago. I reckon the Japanese equivalent of ThaiVisa forum must have a huge forum on 'scams at Bangkok airport' and if someone doesn't do their research (like the OP's wally mate) after all these years, then to quote my ex- wife, "Sorry about that, sometimes have to be like that."

This is NOT a new topic!

[bellste]

Girl and driver telling him that 1,200Baht is the price to go to Suk 24, and that 1,200 is a very special price for Japanese people.

How do people who fall for these simpleton scams even manage to get on the right plane?

Most scams in Thailand are so half-baked and transparent that it's like getting outwitted by a soi dog.

If the meter “doesn't work”,hiding ID, or they come with some other dream stories, I tell them to go to a warm place. Maybe they learn one day, if everybody did the same?

Edited November 28, 2009 by bellste

[mca]

"I didn't have the heart to tell him that they were usually sold for about 50."

Do you buy a lot of Hello Kitty souvenirs?

Shit......How'd I let that one slip out!

[pubba]

I have been lucky using the official public taxi desk until my last arrival.

The taxi was lined up with the others, and seemed legit. When I was shown to the taxi, I should have turned around and rejected it. Seriously -I have seen better 'paddock bashers' back home on our farm.

"Mai Pen Rai" I think, as he takes the boot off (not a mistype) and jams my luggage in. I get into the taxi and am overcome with a putrid stench. What has this guy been eating? Roadkill?

"Mai Pen Rai" I think, as the taxi lurches off in a cloud of smoke. Then he starts with the bullshit price negotiation. I was going to Sukhumvit and wanted 1,000 baht. I laugh it off and jab my pudgy decadent farang digit at the meter.

"METER", "METER", "METER".

He got the idea, and it flickered to life. Big sighs all round.

"Mai Pen Rai" I think, as the taxi struggles to reach 60 km/hr. I smile grimly as the shiny pink Toyota taxis tear past, making us look like we were sitting still. I catch the eye of another taxi driver at the toll booth and he smiles sympathetically at the big dumb buffalo farang in the broken down haggard taxi.

It's at this time that he sees me eying the pointless piece of white paper with an official looking stamp on it. He snatches it from my hand and shoves it down his pants. Safe move on his part, I'm not going to venture into his nether regions for a form that most probably has a different taxi/driver on it.

I could have caused a fuss, I could have demanded he stop and let me off on the side of the freeway.. But it's been a long day, an awful Air Asia flight and an unsure future ahead of me. I let it slide.

We finally shudder and chug our way closer to Sukhumvit and he starts the price negotiation again.

"1,000 baht. Ok?" he says, summoning up a mixture of bravado and stupidity.

I give him my best version of a 1,000 yard stare and the matter isn't bought up again.

Next time I get a taxi from the airport, I'll check the taxi and details first before climbing inside.

[phetaroi]

Given that there are thousands of taxis around, especially swamp, if you get in one that wont use the meter, get out and get in the next one. 1300 baht, no way in the wide world I would pay that.

I agree, and I'd go one step further. In this age of the internet, before I land at any airport I check on things like a basic airport map, how to get a taxi, etc. If you come to Thailand and aren't aware of the way things work at the departure points at the airport, I don't really have much sympathy.

[phetaroi]

I never have problems trying to get the idiot drivers to turn the meter on, I just hate it when Im at point A and want to goto point B & the drivers refuse to take you (obviously because of traffic or whatever).

Actually, once this situation begins and I'm in a taxi moving along (or not moving), I begin chuckling to myself. About a month ago I hailed a taxi on Phetburi to go to Pantip...yes, it was rush hour. The driver certainly knew what it was like getting to the Pantip area during rush hour. But he spent our 20 minutes together moaning and groaning ad nauseum. I actually enjoyed it. If he doesn't want to drive in Bangkok traffic, why be a taxi driver to begin with? If he doesn't want to drive in rush hour, why does he? If he doesn't like the traffic around Pantip, why not refuse me. Moan and groan, pout, whine...OMG...he could be a poster here on TV!

[ma91c1an]

Good work taking photos of the taxi driver's placard.

It is also a good idea to take a photo of the driver himself. Also, on the right-side rear door, on the inside, there is usually another placard with the number of the taxi.

It is illegal for a taxi driver to use another driver's placard. Taking photographs and handing them to the tourist police will get results.

If you are in a taxi and the driver attempts to charge you an extortionate amount of money at the destination, simply give him the correct amount and walk away. No point in arguing. Just tell him "no," or say "mai chai," and hand him the correct amount. He should be using the meter, anyway. If he follows you, (and this has happened to me just once in six years living in Bangkok), walk into a legit business and ask them to call the police. Point at the man and say "quigong," pronounced "kee gong," with the second syllable pronounced like "own" with a "g" at the end. Your driver will scram. He knows that the police will nail him.

If the meter is busted or rigged, then again, take photos. It is illegal for a taxi to be on the road with a busted or rigged meter. Complain to the tourist police.

It is easier to just walk away and to get on with your day, but if enough of us start taking pics and start complaining to the tourist police, more and more unscrupulous drivers will get punished.

On the other hand, when you get a sweet old driver who just does his job, make sure that you tip the man. Reward good conduct. Punish bad conduct.

[pacovl46]

Girl and driver telling him that 1,200Baht is the price to go to Suk 24, and that 1,200 is a very special price for Japanese people.

How do people who fall for these simpleton scams even manage to get on the right plane?

Most scams in Thailand are so half-baked and transparent that it's like getting outwitted by a soi dog.

thank god YOU are soooooo smart

[robint]

I lived in bkk the big mango for many years till i finally gave up and left the country for a more friendly place.

Believe it or not, bkk meter taxis are wonderful - when used properly. I used the 4 times a day and 99% of the time had a great journey round town - no BS.

BUT

Go to Morchit and the trouble starts. My advice

When you arrive on bus, do not use the taxi rank. These bar stewards are out to con the unwary and will not use their meters. Minimum charge B300-500B

Instead walk round to the departures area and you will se taxis arriving to drop off passengers.

DO NOT take the waiting taxis that hang around as you enter the departures terminal (cos its the same scam and they wont use their meters), carry on walking towards the end of the concourse and grab a cab that has just dropped a passenger - but tell him first where you want to go for him to agree. He will use the meter, normally I only want to be dropped at the MRT station at Khampaeng Phet - about 5mins and 40B. Usually no complaint but amazing how many drivers dont know where the nearest tube station is, so you might have to direct him.

try

Rot Fai Tai Din Khampeng Phet Dai Mai Kap?

The same principle applies to Ekamai though Ive never had cause to use a taxi cos the overhead rail is there.

BUT if you have luggage and cant be assed then walk out of the bus station and up the Sukhumvit say 50m then hail a passing cab - works for me.

As for the airport, if you are going to pattaya, then I cannot recommend the Bell Bus Service too Highly at B200 and it door to door and will drop you at your hotel directly. Its downstairs ground floor gate 7 from 0800 every 2 hours but sadly the last bus outwards is 1800 hrs so plan your arrival carefully

You can get a local bus into ekamai but it takes about an hour - very slow but its only B60.

Hopefully someone will report on the new rail link when it opens 1st week in december and that will close down all the taxi touts.

[dantilley]

I always watch in amusement as she virtually inverts the passengers door as she closes it extremely firmly, strangely enuf none of them ever get out to challenge her they just move off probably before stopping to tend to their bleeding ear drums .

If she really wants to annoy them, she should leave the door open, far more inconvenient for them to have to get out to close it.

The thing about the drivers' identification cards, often they're so faded it's difficult to tell if the picture is of the driver or not. I know for sure I've had one driver who was definitely using someone else's card though - it said "Mrs" for the name when he was very much a "Mr"!

[dantilley]

Hopefully someone will report on the new rail link when it opens 1st week in december and that will close down all the taxi touts.

Doubt that very much - not when it costs 150 Baht per person to get to Phaya Thai BTS Station...