Baht Taxis

[howler]

you`re not a baht bus driver are you icecubes beep beep!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No Iam not a baht bus driver.

Just a very happy passenger with this great service

they provide in and around pattaya.

Keep up the good work boys

Beep Beep.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love 'em too.

cheap and easy...havent fallen out of one yet!

wish some would get thier exhaust fixed

I'M TALKING ABOUT THE BAHT BUSSES!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited November 4, 2005 by howler

[COBBER]

I was confused about this too until I asked and got set straight. Apparently these guys are clockin' ducats big time! Between 15000 to 20000 a month profit.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=41424

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The problem here is that not many of them are owner/drivers. Its the owners that are making most of the dosh. After you take out the cost of rent and diesel most drivers are making a very modest income. In low season it is a real struggle for some drivers and this is perhaps why they sometimes resort to underhanded tactics.

[COBBER]

Is'nt it funny that when people first come to pattaya they rave about how cheap it is? THEN after a while they complain about paying over 10bht for a baht bus...

Tight &lt;deleted&gt;.

Compare these prices to back home along with the guy that drives you tight &lt;deleted&gt; about everywhere for not peanuts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Spot on Dave. Hardly worth risking a confrontation over 5 baht.

[Kerryd]

Is'nt it funny that when people first come to pattaya they rave about how cheap it is? THEN after a while they complain about paying over 10bht for a baht bus...

Tight &lt;deleted&gt;.

Compare these prices to back home along with the guy that drives you tight &lt;deleted&gt; about everywhere for not peanuts.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Spot on Dave. Hardly worth risking a confrontation over 5 baht.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think this was discussed (to death) in at least one other thread.

The minimum wage in Thailand is around 180-200 baht per DAY ! I make about 5 times that, per HOUR (well, for another 2 weeks at least )

Paying 10 baht for a ride that could be dozens of blocks or more is a pittance. In Canada, if you sit in a cab, they turn on the meter and you already owe them $3.50 (120 baht approx.) or more, before you even start moving !

Not all baht drivers are evil. I hired one to bring some furniture and a new mattress back from Big C. The guy helped me carry the stuff up 3 flights of stairs to my apartment without question or complaint (I tipped him afterwards, being the nice guy that I am).

10 baht works out to about 25 cents US. Wow, a whole quarter ! My goodness ! Back in the USA, what can you buy for a quarter these days ? Certainly not a taxi ride to a destination a couple of kilometres away (or miles if you prefer).

[gharknes]

Hi All

I don’t see what the problem is with the bath buses

I think the fare should be twenty bath to start with not 5 or 10 baht

as they don’t seam to earn enough money and its only a fraction

of what we pay in our own countries

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hard to argue with paying twenty baht for a bath en route to your favourite watering hole. I shudder to think what that would cost in UK...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The point I was making is that there are just too many of them, I use them and will continue to do so, but because of the increased numbers the are several issues.

1. Decreased customers for each baht bus driver

2. Huge traffic congestion

3. Icreased pollution

4. They have become dangerous trying to get cutomers

somethings gota give

a lot of them will go out of business, they don't realise that the huge dilution will cause lower earnings for each individual, i haven't seen one happy driver in 4 weeks, they are all feeling it.

[Kerryd]

Good points. It may take quite awhile for it to sink into their heads that there are too many buses and too few customers.

Eventually the natural laws of economics will convince many of them to seek greener pastures. As with many things, supply increases and decreases depending on demand.

Less demand (i.e. customers) will eventually result in fewer buses (then again, this is Thailand !)

It doesn't help their cause (the drivers) when they are rude, or act in a criminal fashion, towards their customers. It only takes a few bad examples to paint the whole group as nothing but a collection of yabba-popping gangsters waiting to rob poor farang tourists.

I'm surprised the Tourist Police don't do more to crack down on some of the problem drivers. Maybe just not motivated enough ?

[Noel]

I really cannot understand why some people cannot resist making cost comparisons between Pattaya and their home country, especially expat’s. Perhaps they still think in their home currency and convert the cost of everything they buy back to dollars or whatever?

To my mind such comparisons are all but meaningless as they have no relevance. When people reel off how much this or that would cost in UK or wherever, my reaction is to say: “So what?”

Dual pricing is a topic that is raised with predictable regularity, as is the Bahtbus issue. With both of these old chestnuts people tend to divide into distinct camps with widely differing views, some quite passionately.

I personally despise the very principle of Dual Pricing; I also find the number of Bahtbuses and the antics of their drivers to often be a pain.

However, with the former I vote with my wallet by avoiding such places so that’s no issue; with the latter I just put up with it as bitching and moaning is nothing more than an exercise in futility as far as I can see.

One point about the level of Bahtbus fares that seems not to have been highlighted is the fact that many Thai rely on Bahtbus transportation. The predictable failure of the new bus facility speaks volumes as to the attitude of the Thai when it comes to an alternative to the Bahtbus: the vast majority just will not use them it would seem. I strongly suspect the reason is not limited to convenience, I would say that cost is at the top of the list.

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

[Kerryd]

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ahh, the old "double-pricing" dispute.

I don't think we'll see an end to the double-pricing system here (or most other countries) in our lifetimes.

2 things come to mind when I think about this problem.

One is, it only seems to apply in certain areas and certain things. Not everything is double-priced, even in Pattaya.

When I'm upcountry and away from touristy destinations, I pay the same price as everyone else. Buses, trains, planes, restaurants, hotels, no price difference between what I pay or what a Thai pays.

Second, If I want to pay the same price as the Thais, then I should become a Thai (immigrate and apply for citizenship).

Many of the people that complain about the double-standard forget that they are guests here, even if they have work permits and long-term visas. Until you become a citizen, you are a guest.

While double-pricing may not be commonplace in your home country, it is here.

Why can't I compare the cost of something in Thailand, compared to my home country, but you can compare the way things are in your home country (single pricing standard) to the way things are done in Thailand ?

[britmaveric]

You have the option of paying the same as a Thai on Baht bus - if you fear ring the bell shortly after where you want to get off. Baht bus isn't going to backup - problem solved.

[CGW]

There have been many complaints over the years of both Baht buses and two tier pricing.

If you use baht buses you are obviously, for them, many of us dont, and I think it would be fair comment to say most who dont use them dislike them, due to their number and driving habits. They work great in the country, in a crowded city/ there are better alternatives albeit more expensive.

Thailand is a "Third world country" I think people tend to forget that, instead comparing it with their home country.

Most third world countries have two tier pricing, if they didn't have it, the "places" that charge - would never be able to open in the first place.

Cheers

[Noel]

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ahh, the old "double-pricing" dispute.

I don't think we'll see an end to the double-pricing system here (or most other countries) in our lifetimes.

2 things come to mind when I think about this problem.

One is, it only seems to apply in certain areas and certain things. Not everything is double-priced, even in Pattaya.

When I'm upcountry and away from touristy destinations, I pay the same price as everyone else. Buses, trains, planes, restaurants, hotels, no price difference between what I pay or what a Thai pays.

Second, If I want to pay the same price as the Thais, then I should become a Thai (immigrate and apply for citizenship).

Many of the people that complain about the double-standard forget that they are guests here, even if they have work permits and long-term visas. Until you become a citizen, you are a guest.

While double-pricing may not be commonplace in your home country, it is here.

Why can't I compare the cost of something in Thailand, compared to my home country, but you can compare the way things are in your home country (single pricing standard) to the way things are done in Thailand ?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are there not two distinct issues here though?

The price of something in one country as compared to another being different because of economic fundamentals is one thing; artificial price differentials for goods & services that have the exact same economic base are another when ostensibly motivated by race or the perceived ability to pay.

To openly financially penalize visitors just because they are a guest is an odd notion to my mind. It smacks of blatant discrimination and creates what could justifiably be seen as a jaundiced connotation as regards the sincerity of the greeting: “Welcome!” in the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The word hypocrisy springs to mind, amongst others.

And here we go again!

Must dash as my wooden spoon needs a rinse…

[icecubes]

There have been many complaints over the years of both Baht buses and two tier pricing.

If you use baht buses you are obviously, for them, many of us dont, and I think it would be fair comment to say most who dont use them dislike them, due to their number and driving habits. They work great in the country, in a crowded city/ there are better alternatives albeit more expensive.

Thailand is a "Third world country" I think people tend to forget that, instead comparing it with their home country.

Most third world countries have two tier pricing, if they didn't have it, the "places" that charge - would never be able to open in the first place.

Cheers

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With the level of service the bath buses provide in pattaya.

We should all forget about double pricing and moans and groans

about there driving habits. It may well be a good time to increase the standard

fare to say 20 or 30 bath this would then provide an adequate income for

the drivers and there families. This would also decrease any problems you might

have with over charging as they would all ready be earning a good income.

Carry on the boys in blue, a great service to the community.

Beep beep

[CGW]

To openly financially penalize visitors just because they are a guest is an odd notion to my mind. It smacks of blatant discrimination and creates what could justifiably be seen as a jaundiced connotation as regards the sincerity of the greeting: “Welcome!” in the ‘Land of Smiles’.

The word hypocrisy springs to mind, amongst others.

I havn't quite mastered the "quote" bit yet!

I prefer to look at it as we are paying the market price and subsdising our poor hosts

Makes me able to live with it anyway. If we were all paying the Thai price theres no way a lot of the bussiness would survive - would they

Cheers

[hopeless]

Many of the people that complain about the double-standard forget that they are guests here, even if they have work permits and long-term visas. Until you become a citizen, you are a guest.

While double-pricing may not be commonplace in your home country, it is here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Im from England, if a wealthy person Thai or whatever came to england they get treated exactly the same as me, if not better. When I travel to LOS i am usually on a very tight budget and I imagine a lot of the Thai taxi hoppers are wealthier than me. I know I am a guest but equal oppitunities wouldnt be a bad thing.

Edited November 4, 2005 by hopeless

[paulnuek]

Double Pricing....

I could talk about it ALL day long.

I have been to Thailand too many time to mention.

But I have still not mastered paying the same price as the wife!!!

She is of course Thai and always gets the Thai price.

If she pays for me I get the Thai price,however if I pay she gets Thai price I get Farang price...

LOS.

ps Long live the BAHT BUS.........

[fxm88]

Most third world countries have two tier pricing, if they didn't have it, the "places" that charge - would never be able to open in the first place.

You mean when I get on a bus or go to a club that's got 500 Thai people and NO farang (except me) I should know that they're providing their services to the locals at cost with the hope that tonight, maybe just this once, a farang will walk in and make their quarter?

[Patex]

...It may well be a good time to increase the standard

fare to say 20 or 30 bath this would then provide an adequate income for

the drivers and there families. This would also decrease any problems you might

have with over charging as they would all ready be earning a good income

Nice thought,

but human greed is boundless... and why only provide the bathbusdrivers? Do busdrivers who head for Bkk a less good service? Why not give them 1000 for a oneway-ticket?

The cashier who works in BigC (Pattaya Nguea) and lives in Sattahip would be happy to pay for her last 2 km more than for her first 30 km.

Regards, Patex

[aughie]

CGW - If you haven't mastered the quote function please use quotation marks. That's a confusing post you have.

To use the quotation function drag your cursor over the chosen text of your intended reply so it is highlighted with a blue background then hit the QUOTE button. The entire blue highlighted area will be bracketed and will appear in quotes when you have finished and hit the ADD REPLY button.

-a

[CGW]

CGW - If you haven't mastered the quote function please use quotation marks.  That's a confusing post you have.

To use the quotation function drag your cursor over the chosen text of your intended reply so it is highlighted with a blue background then hit the QUOTE button.  The entire blue highlighted area will be bracketed and will appear in quotes when you  have finished and hit the ADD REPLY button.

-a 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Testing!

[CGW]

Apoligise for any confusion, and above test, Matered it Now

Cheers

[CGW]

MASTERED! sorry, just wont to hijack this thread!

[Kerryd]

MASTERED! sorry, just wont to hijack this thread!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I often hit "Reply" and then delete the portion of the previous reply that isn't required.

If I notice a spelling error (Heaven Forbid !), hit the "Edit" button.

B.O.T.

I think most of us agree that the whole double-pricing issue sucks, not just on the baht buses.

What is the solution ? Even if every member of this board and their families boycotted the baht mafia, the loss of income they would suffer would be so minimal, they wouldn't even notice even in the low season.

Next (after deciding to boycott baht buses), every time you elect to walk or use alternate transport, put a 5 baht coin in a cup (the difference between what a Thai would pay for a baht bus ride and what you would pay).

After a month or two, see how much you have saved. Was it worth it ? (If you walked instead of taking a bus, you may be healthier, but probably not a lot richer)

[royboy]

I really cannot understand why some people cannot resist making cost comparisons between Pattaya and their home country, especially expat’s. Perhaps they still think in their home currency and convert the cost of everything they buy back to dollars or whatever?

To my mind such comparisons are all but meaningless as they have no relevance. When people reel off how much this or that would cost in UK or wherever, my reaction is to say: “So what?”

Dual pricing is a topic that is raised with predictable regularity, as is the Bahtbus issue. With both of these old chestnuts people tend to divide into distinct camps with widely differing views, some quite passionately.

I personally despise the very principle of Dual Pricing; I also find the number of Bahtbuses and the antics of their drivers to often be a pain.

However, with the former I vote with my wallet by avoiding such places so that’s no issue; with the latter I just put up with it as bitching and moaning is nothing more than an exercise in futility as far as I can see.

One point about the level of Bahtbus fares that seems not to have been highlighted is the fact that many Thai rely on Bahtbus transportation. The predictable failure of the new bus facility speaks volumes as to the attitude of the Thai when it comes to an alternative to the Bahtbus: the vast majority just will not use them it would seem. I strongly suspect the reason is not limited to convenience, I would say that cost is at the top of the list.

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Rinrada]

"ha" baht buses...

No fare........means only rice for dinner..

5 baht..correct fare.......good living and kin moo/noo....

10 bt...double fare........new villa....

15 bt...........................new swimming pool...

20 bt...quad fare...................kids go to school in England...

above that........Doncha you just Loooove farang tooorists....with money tooo much

[davethailand]

Baht buses are also great advertising

[DJ Pat]

I hate them like the plague but they are bloody useful.

I hate their headlights because when you're riding a bike at night, look in the mirrors and you could be "blinded by the light" (not ELO stylee) of their headlights

[TizMe]

"blinded by the light" (not ELO stylee) of their headlights

What sort of DJ are you? BBTL was by Manfred Mann

[royboy]

I really cannot understand why some people cannot resist making cost comparisons between Pattaya and their home country, especially expat’s. Perhaps they still think in their home currency and convert the cost of everything they buy back to dollars or whatever?

To my mind such comparisons are all but meaningless as they have no relevance. When people reel off how much this or that would cost in UK or wherever, my reaction is to say: “So what?”

Dual pricing is a topic that is raised with predictable regularity, as is the Bahtbus issue. With both of these old chestnuts people tend to divide into distinct camps with widely differing views, some quite passionately.

I personally despise the very principle of Dual Pricing; I also find the number of Bahtbuses and the antics of their drivers to often be a pain.

However, with the former I vote with my wallet by avoiding such places so that’s no issue; with the latter I just put up with it as bitching and moaning is nothing more than an exercise in futility as far as I can see.

One point about the level of Bahtbus fares that seems not to have been highlighted is the fact that many Thai rely on Bahtbus transportation. The predictable failure of the new bus facility speaks volumes as to the attitude of the Thai when it comes to an alternative to the Bahtbus: the vast majority just will not use them it would seem. I strongly suspect the reason is not limited to convenience, I would say that cost is at the top of the list.

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A fair & balanced view, Noel.

"Cheap Charlie" doesn't come into it.... I spend lots of wonga on airfare & travel 6,000 miles for a well earned holiday. I like many others want to spend my time economically, so I pay the going rate.

If some want to give 100% - up to you!

[royboy]

I really cannot understand why some people cannot resist making cost comparisons between Pattaya and their home country, especially expat’s. Perhaps they still think in their home currency and convert the cost of everything they buy back to dollars or whatever?

To my mind such comparisons are all but meaningless as they have no relevance. When people reel off how much this or that would cost in UK or wherever, my reaction is to say: “So what?”

Dual pricing is a topic that is raised with predictable regularity, as is the Bahtbus issue. With both of these old chestnuts people tend to divide into distinct camps with widely differing views, some quite passionately.

I personally despise the very principle of Dual Pricing; I also find the number of Bahtbuses and the antics of their drivers to often be a pain.

However, with the former I vote with my wallet by avoiding such places so that’s no issue; with the latter I just put up with it as bitching and moaning is nothing more than an exercise in futility as far as I can see.

One point about the level of Bahtbus fares that seems not to have been highlighted is the fact that many Thai rely on Bahtbus transportation. The predictable failure of the new bus facility speaks volumes as to the attitude of the Thai when it comes to an alternative to the Bahtbus: the vast majority just will not use them it would seem. I strongly suspect the reason is not limited to convenience, I would say that cost is at the top of the list.

So, to those who would have no qualms about the Bahtbus fares being raised as by comparison to their home country the current prices are trivial, would they expect the increased fares to apply to all users or only farang, thereby giving their stamp of approval to the practice of Dual Pricing?

'Just wondered...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A fair & balanced view, Noel.

"Cheap Charlie" doesn't come into it.... I spend lots of wonga on airfare & travel 6,000 miles for a well earned holiday. I like many others want to spend my time economically, so I pay the going rate.

If some want to give 100% - up to you!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry last should have read: If some want to give a 100% tip - up to you!

[DJ Pat]

Its a dilemma cos if you pay the correct fare you are seen as "farang kee-neow" but if you pay what they ask, you continue the trend.

Annoying thing is that tourists often tip them huge tips and wai them.(cringe)