I don't live in Bangkok but go there every couple of months, I agree with the OP get in first tell them where you want to go and then make sure that the meter is 'on'

Never been refused but sure I have been taken via the scenic route to my destination a couple of times.

Ok, you try it first.

I've always got in, stated my destination, told them to put the meter on and then said nothing else.

Once on my way, if the driver wants to chat then OK, otherwise, I stay shtum.

Maybe I've been lucky but told hundereds of taxis in BKK when I lived there for 3 years.

Ok, you try it first.

hahahaha. Agreed

Ok, you try it first.

Have done it for 3 days already, have had 5 rides without anyone complaining

can get dangerous. I've had serious gangster drivers previously and you don't want to mess with them.

... and that was with my Thai wife asking at least 20 cabs and me hiding behind a cocktail cart.

So many taxis on the road that I really don't care if one of them isn't going my way there is often another one waiting behind the one I have stopped in case it refuses my fare. I've often had a "no" from a driver but never had a problem getting to where ever I wanted to go.

You either dont live here on a permanent basis

Or

You don't use taxis very often

Funny, on reading your initial post I would have assumed exactly the same about you.

So tourists usually get annoyed cause the taxis often say they are about to go off their shift, when in reality, you know that it is a lie?

Or if I almost never ever use a taxi, I would be annoyed, cause a taxi guy have once told me he was going off his shift?

Ok, you try it first.

I've always got in, stated my destination, told them to put the meter on and then said nothing else.

Once on my way, if the driver wants to chat then OK, otherwise, I stay shtum.

Maybe I've been lucky but told hundereds of taxis in BKK when I lived there for 3 years.

Since I started this thread, I think not more than 3 guys have refused me a ride, and when they do I point out I know what they do is illegal, I say "pit got mai", and it becomes uncomfortable for them to say no. Then i just leave the car half closing the door.

I should first tell them where to go, then get in the taxi.