Taxi mafia clean out at Suvarnabhumi airport

[Tanlic]

Good news buts lets not wet our panties yellows. Keep looking for the bigger picture...You will see it eventually but it requires research of other media sources

If I have to start wearing panties I'd rather not

[technologybytes]

This is good news because the situation with Taxi's in Bangkok has been a national disgrace.

However, and I know this won't be popular, there are a lot of good, honest and decent taxi drivers who are working incredibly hard for minimal pay.. It's great that the new system also aims to help the honest taxi drivers.

[bkk75]

Can we please have this general as the next PM for the next 20 years!

[BillyBobThai]

If they keep on going at this rate the country might actually be okay in 10 or so years. Well done so far.

They have to keep the pressure up forever and that is another subject

No, they just need to instill the "fear of the lord" in these folk.

For minor infractions, the stocks

For the more serious crimes, we give them a choice

[Strangebrew]

Airport link just to easy to use cab but never get in line for cab always used departure level to get cab metered every time never flat rate.

[KED]

Agreed that a crackdown on taxi scams and mafias is called for. But I think also better information at both DMK and BKK would help arriving passengers know their options. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, arriving passengers with manageable luggage and who are traveling to areas served by the MRT/BTS - the airport link is most often a better option. And from Don Meuang - the A1 bus to BTS/MRT.

I realize for larger amounts of luggage and for other areas not serviced easily by BTS/MRT taxis are still necessary.

[Adeeos]

I will continue to wait at the 4th floor while having a Leo and a cigarette, plenty of available taxis at the cheapest prices.

I agree with this, "trick" as I've always done the same, and always suggested to friends traveling in, to do the same,,, BUT,, the last return trip I made, Nov of 2013,, They had set up some, "gates", between the street closest the departure doors, and the outer most street where they drop off, on the medium between them... and had, "guards" in what looked like airport security uniforms, that weren't allowing people to cross the gates.. You can pass through them when dropped off, going INTO the departure hall, but not visa-versa... you could cross the closest street, get to the gates.. and were told,, "no, no pass",,, I looked the guy over, surmised he WASN'T, "official",,, and just crossed over to a waiting taxi,, he just smiled,,,, My guess is that they're going to eliminate these gates, and, "security"

Edited June 19, 2014 by Adeeos

[firestar]

It is amazing what a single man can do when he has balls the size of boulders and an M-16 to back em up.

Good going General.

and AND, . . . the interests of the country and the people in mind. Unlike the thieving, scheming, rotten excuses for politicians.

Methinks democracy has to reinvent itself, in many places.

All those foreign pollies and heads of state complaining about the Thai military are nearly as bad, which is why they complain so much.

Generals and appointed PMs ruled Thailand almost exclusively up until the early nineties, they were back in power in 06 and have written the current constitution. Thaksin himself, although he chose a career in the Royal police met his buddies at the Armed Forces prep school, it's his army chums who gave him his exclusive GSM licence..... the military IS the politicians and always have been.

Maybe you should also check the history of patronage, dodgy contracts and bloated budgets within the military.

Edited June 19, 2014 by firestar

[northernjohn]

How about going the whole hog, and getting the Mil to run the tuk tuks, and jetski hires in Phuket and Pattaya ? It's sorely needed but maybe next they'll be making Green and Brown mottle cookies calling them "coup cookies".

I'm still pretty happy that Prayuth and the "Adjustment Bureau" are doing a good job, but I'm also well aware nobody's allowed to publish anti "AB" stuff, without facing "detention" it's all very one sided at the moment, when they say something is to good to be true, it's normally correct.. he's still worth the risk to drive Thailand forward. He needs to sort out his PR people, and admit when they make mistakes,like the immigrant issue.

Well I agree he is doing a great job but he does have to keep the anti stuff drown. All it will do is act as a platform for people like Jatuporn to rant on. It will detract from their ability to act constructively. The time is coming when they will be able to say see what we have done now say your piece. Already the people are happy but giving idiots time to complain will just have them wasting time. Yes the tuk tuks can but not always overcharge. But the truth is it is not that big of a problem.

They will get to it after other more important things are taken care of. They still have to deal with the south and we had one poster on some thread wanting them to drop every thing and get the people at the toll gates. These are the ridicules things people come up with and they have been in office less than a month and some people think that is long enough to clear up every thing.

I agree they have made some misjudgments such as the Cambodian labors but they are working on fixing it. I think it will be a lot easier to register legally than it has been in the past.

[Adeeos]

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I will continue to wait at the 4th floor while having a Leo and a cigarette, plenty of available taxis at the cheapest prices.

You have a beer waiting for a taxi after landing ? Freak, just the tourist advert we all talk about

BS!.... many flights arrive late, as in 11:30PM, etc,,, so there's a problem having a casual beer and a smoke while waiting for a taxi?....

[VINCENT2012]

why passengers have to continue paying the 50-baht fee for getting a taxi from the airport queue ? why....my self i find it always unfair so i take the lift and i go to the 4th floor to catch a taxi who drop another client before and go ....because i do not want to pay 50 baths extra.! and if he wants the extra money i wait for another one.i always find one who understand the situation.

well i speak thai thats the diference of course but.....what the hell !!!!

we are compare here not as human been but as a walking wallet.....thats enough....!

if the taxi run is too cheap, and i agree it is too cheap, then increase the fare for everybody in thailand, nobody is going to complain but not only in a special area where nobody from abroad or here understand the reason why...only some in the government does, thats it.

also ....we foreigners in general agree that we are fed up to have 2 prices one for thais and another price for farang..even if you are married with a thai they still make the diference and wen have to pay.... to me ..this is discriminination, racism, a will to make a diference beetween people....in this 20 th century this is totally old fashion and again totally unfair. and this is not dign for a country like thailand who live because of the tourism and the people living all year here who bring bilions of baths all together.

the military government who want to put the thing right should read our post and take some advice because this is not only rabbish what we write here

this is our fillings, and i think we pay enough to have the right to give our impression about what is right or wrong

[iJustWanttoKnow]

i have not heard such a string of good news about thailand in more than eight years living here.

disregarding the the people who always are able to find the cloud in the silver lining - i find this encouraging.

as one poster stated, perhaps tongue in cheek, perhaps the military is reading thaivisa and using some of the ideas.

it does appear that the military leadership has their "list" and is methodically working through it.

while i am a big fan of democracies, in this situation it appears that thailand is not ready for a democracy as it has been done to date. perhaps once the country is cleaned up with the current military broom, then progress toward a democracy can be made. looking at the current situation and comparing to what was happening before - this appears better.

[theyoungone]

The army should check the taxis sun visor for that hiddrm laminated price list with heavily inflated prices. Fine the bastards by seizing their taxi or something. It's emvarassing when family arrive at BKK as its 50/50 if your going to get conned. I've bailed many a taxi on that main road near the airport walking back to the terminal to try and get a non-scam taxi. As for phuket well that's another story...

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[ginjag]

why passengers have to continue paying the 50-baht fee for getting a taxi from the airport queue ? why....my self i find it always unfair so i take the lift and i go to the 4th floor to catch a taxi who drop another client before and go ....because i do not want to pay 50 baths extra.! and if he wants the extra money i wait for another one.i always find one who understand the situation.

well i speak thai thats the diference of course but.....what the hell !!!!

we are compare here not as human been but as a walking wallet.....thats enough....!

if the taxi run is too cheap, and i agree it is too cheap, then increase the fare for everybody in thailand, nobody is going to complain but not only in a special area where nobody from abroad or here understand the reason why...only some in the government does, thats it.

also ....we foreigners in general agree that we are fed up to have 2 prices one for thais and another price for farang..even if you are married with a thai they still make the diference and wen have to pay.... to me ..this is discriminination, racism, a will to make a diference beetween people....in this 20 th century this is totally old fashion and again totally unfair. and this is not dign for a country like thailand who live because of the tourism and the people living all year here who bring bilions of baths all together.

the military government who want to put the thing right should read our post and take some advice because this is not only rabbish what we write here

this is our fillings, and i think we pay enough to have the right to give our impression about what is right or wrong

I totally agree with you I -here for over 3 decades and I think I know what has gone on and what should be done, we speak our minds, and sometimes someone does spot out views if not then we do our bit.

At arrivals taxi rank first come first serve, no extras 50 baht mafia. If someone needs a mega taxi because of the kitchen sink packed then they should use their brain and get another NOT NORMAL taxi. otherwise short trip meter long trip pre written board with prices per journey. if tourist doesn't like this do not come, or use AOT luxury/bus/ or a.n. other means.

[orosee]

So the military government is applying populist measures and everybody sees this as proof for their benevolence and justification for the takeover? Why is good government suddenly measured by the easy and likable things that please everyone instead of the hard and necessary measures that need to be take but will always be unpopular with most of the people? Are good parents measured by the amount of candy they let their children eat? What will the Thais say when tax payments are fully enforced, when full prices have to be paid for original goods, when closing times are strictly enforced? Just ask the people in Singapore (I guess most of them are not even too unhappy).

Instead of watching the taxi prices, better observe how the military continues to deal with issues such as the three finger salute (two fingers too many but one is polite in these latitudes).

All of this may still turn out beneficial for the country as a whole, but I want to see the military government tackle the real issues - including those that are caused by powers that support the military (or are supported by them).

[Alwyn]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

[draftvader]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

Man on your own? I've never had a problem travelling like that either. Try the same with the wife and a kid/some kids. Now the games start. Even if you speak Thai. It's an embarrassment to this country. That is the kind of tourist they want/need. The taxi rank is the first contact that many people have with a Thai national. They may not realise they are being ripped off at first, but eventually many do come to realise and it will be the first thing they'll say when their friend says "We're going to Thailand this year". Not a good impression....at all.

[ginjag]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

Well my friend you are in the minority again. Why do you think the clean up is necessary ??? why do you think the government clean up is necessary ???

You must live in a different world to the rest. Even denial airport taxi mafia exists, anything else you want to be in denial about. This like Phuket /Samui/Pattaya needs cleaning up. so much to do so little time your giving them.

Suppose you never have been charged double for anything or no one has robbed you or cheated you during your stay here. Time now to change the things you see as no fuss.

[Alwyn]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

Well my friend you are in the minority again. Why do you think the clean up is necessary ??? why do you think the government clean up is necessary ???

You must live in a different world to the rest. Even denial airport taxi mafia exists, anything else you want to be in denial about. This like Phuket /Samui/Pattaya needs cleaning up. so much to do so little time your giving them.

Suppose you never have been charged double for anything or no one has robbed you or cheated you during your stay here. Time now to change the things you see as no fuss.

I certainly must live in a different World to you. I don't know why this process is being cleaned up as I've never experienced the problem and not one of my friends has mentioned it. I've had problems with taxis on Samui who refused to turn on their meters and one clown who wanted to charge me a mental rate so I got out and waited for another taxi. I was burgled in 2004 which led me to start a security company providing alarm systems and CCTV etc but people get burgled all over the World (maybe not in your World as problems in yur World seem to involve massive drama in Thailand). Dual pricing? Happened to me one time at a swimming pool in Phuket where there was a dual pricing policy actually displayed on the door as you entered (and it was a municipal pool) Most ties if needed I just show either my Thai driver's license or my WP and drama averted. I have no issue with dual pricing though as generally I earn more than a Thai and paying a few baht extra to go to the zoo isn't the end of the World, is it?

[SantiSuk]

Poll 100 people about what needs fixing in Thailand. Would any say "the taxis" (except Phuket residents maybe)? Taxis have no impact on the ordinary working Thai and most tourists can afford the minor rip-offs that happen to tourists everywhere in the world.

Jeez - extraordinary the way falang are celebrating this irrelevance. If you are a falang living here and you haven't got the smarts to sort your taxi use out then som nam bladdy na! Learn Thai and get street smart.

Get some big swinging dix corrupt businessmen, politicians and bureaucrats of all colours in court - then we can welcome a new broom.

[PS I am one of those guys who had a wallet returned a few months ago with all my keys, cards and cameras and 25k baht in it by an Isaan Bangkok taxi driver, who probably has less income in a month than i have in a day]

Edited June 19, 2014 by SantiSuk

[elgenon]

Marinediscoking

After they put up the barriers on 4 th floor i went down to first to catch an "official" taxi. The guy didn't want to turn on his meter. I told him to stop so i could get out. he turned it on.

Now i go through the barriers on the 4th floor. Cheap, as noted already.

It reminds m,e I caught a taxi to the airport, got him to turn on the meter, he wanted an extra 50 upon arrival!!! I told him I would call the police. it was OK then.

[Lancelot]

I used to go up to arrivals and catch a cab to Pattaya or BKK. For the trip to Pattaya I would pay 800 to 1,000. In to BKK I never had one refuse to turn on the meter, usually 200 to 300 baht, depending on the traffic.

Now I use the high speed rail link in to BKK and the Bell Bus to Pattaya

[ginjag]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

Well my friend you are in the minority again. Why do you think the clean up is necessary ??? why do you think the government clean up is necessary ???

You must live in a different world to the rest. Even denial airport taxi mafia exists, anything else you want to be in denial about. This like Phuket /Samui/Pattaya needs cleaning up. so much to do so little time your giving them.

Suppose you never have been charged double for anything or no one has robbed you or cheated you during your stay here. Time now to change the things you see as no fuss.

I certainly must live in a different World to you. I don't know why this process is being cleaned up as I've never experienced the problem and not one of my friends has mentioned it. I've had problems with taxis on Samui who refused to turn on their meters and one clown who wanted to charge me a mental rate so I got out and waited for another taxi. I was burgled in 2004 which led me to start a security company providing alarm systems and CCTV etc but people get burgled all over the World (maybe not in your World as problems in yur World seem to involve massive drama in Thailand). Dual pricing? Happened to me one time at a swimming pool in Phuket where there was a dual pricing policy actually displayed on the door as you entered (and it was a municipal pool) Most ties if needed I just show either my Thai driver's license or my WP and drama averted. I have no issue with dual pricing though as generally I earn more than a Thai and paying a few baht extra to go to the zoo isn't the end of the World, is it?

Yes it is, you don't get the point YOU earn more than the Thais??? What about the Thais that earn more than you and pay less than you to enter ?? you see my point.

When a person pays 50,000 baht to travel here he comes because things are generally lower price when he gets here because of their standard of living part of the reason he comes.

Because he earns more salary than them has nothing to do with paying more that the Thai people. If you have money to play with fine the point is stop the Dung now.

What about wealthy Thais going to the UK and when asked to pay extra as they are Thais, what do you think of that. Do you think these wealthy Thais are going to say Never mind I earn more that the British worker. ??

If as you say you have had little probs in Thailand, is it because you have not lived in a rural area, or married a bar girl or have you been a city apartment dweller that rarely encounters a problem living in a more up market area.???

Everyone in Thailand I have met Has unluckily had more problems than you---BUT good for you I am not arguing with you about your situation.

I do not live in my own little world believe me. ..

Edited June 19, 2014 by ginjag

[ianf]

Excellent. As I said before, this general and the NCPO have done so much more good in the past few weeks than the politicians bunch of clowns, rogues, bullies and thieves over the past 50 years.

Keep it up, sir!

Yes, there is a lot of work to be done especially in changing attitudes. My wife wants to revert to her Thai surname because the moment anyone spots her Farang surname, the fines, the fees, the charges get doubled or trippled. How can we get this message to the General?

Edited June 19, 2014 by ianf

[Chao Lao Beach]

"All drivers would have to accept that the passengers they get, and the destination, would depend on the luck of the draw."

"Under the new computerised system, drivers accepting short-distance passengers would be allowed more frequent access to the queue"

Can someone please explain this ?

[rajyindee]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

+1. I didn't realise there was much of a problem. Unless they're doing away with the 50 Baht Airport Surcharge, I can't see what's actually being achieved. If people are continually getting stiffed for one reason or another, it just proves they're slow learners, nothing else.

Edited June 19, 2014 by rajyindee

[NCFC]

Meter taxi Jomptien 850 Baht to BKK swampy.+ tolls extra (50 baht) fee for the journey price advertised.

swampy BKK meter taxi 50 baht fee, 1750 baht meter taxi ?? price given at the DESK no meter for long runs. explain anyone, people saying it was fair before----sounds like a mini Phuket/Samui job to me.

Why would the journey from Swampy be 900 baht more-----head wind or something. ???

It's cheaper going back because you are using BKK taxis that have already delivered a fare to pattaya and rather than return empty they offer a discount.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[ginjag]

Don't know what all the fuss is about. I've flown in and out of BKK countless times and never, ever, had a problem. Drivers have been courteous and always ask if I want to go the toll road or not. Is this a problem that really exists because in the 13 years I've lived here I have not experienced it.

+1. I didn't realise there was much of a problem. Unless they're doing away with the 50 Baht Airport Surcharge, I can't see what's actually being achieved. If people are continually getting stiffed for one reason or another, it just proves they're slow learners, nothing else.

So everyone that arrives are already hardened to This taxi mafia ??? If you are a slow learner then you have been bitten. you should not be subject to this---get it ??

If an actual genuine slow naïve person arrives it's his fault he is like that ?? these taxi vultures have to be controlled.

Mind you don't think so as YOU do not have problems because you already have learned.

Edited June 19, 2014 by ginjag

[pepi2005]

Wasn't THAT the original reason why passengers have to pay - compared to street rates: overpriced - tickets at the taxi counter?

I'm speechless reading that ....a taxi mafia still exists ... despite of these certainly fair and professional "ticket booths"?

Oh yes, now that they mention it, I once bought a ticket there, just to have my driver blackmail me 10km before Pattaya to pay him a (generous) "tip" if I want to be brought there instead of being dropped at the side of the road. An unforgettable experience with "Thai smiles" and friendliness of the world's "top tourist destination"...

[ginjag]

Meter taxi Jomptien 850 Baht to BKK swampy.+ tolls extra (50 baht) fee for the journey price advertised.

swampy BKK meter taxi 50 baht fee, 1750 baht meter taxi ?? price given at the DESK no meter for long runs. explain anyone, people saying it was fair before----sounds like a mini Phuket/Samui job to me.

Why would the journey from Swampy be 900 baht more-----head wind or something. ???

It's cheaper going back because you are using BKK taxis that have already delivered a fare to pattaya and rather than return empty they offer a discount.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Where on earth do you get discounted taxis.

I was talking about resident Pattaya taxi people. 850 bht---against the 1700 baht swampy taxis.

That's why I put the smile into the topic re back wind to Pattaya.