Suvarnabhumi van-taxis threaten to stop service

[Minnehaha]

I hate those vans. The seats have LESS legroom than the Toyota taxis. The ride is rough - the shocks are too stiff. They are a pain in the ass to climb into and out of. The design does not allow for long legs. Strange.

I have never taken them from airport but have taken a few around the city for a few times until I came to this conclusion - they are uncomfortable. Plus it is true that the drivers tend to try to not use the meter.

Why 30 Baht or 80 Baht per luggage piece? To lift it? The airport taxi service should have guys doing this as part of the 50 Baht. They can also give the chit to the taxi driver to tell them destination.

No way a new van uses twice the fuel of a Toyota. Absolutely not true.

In fact, newer airplanes and other engines use less fuel and produce more power with better technology. My 55,000 BTU ceiling mount aircon cools an enormous space with lots of glass for less than the small 12,000 BTU does my little office. The electric bill is less. Reason? The big machine is new. The small one is 10 years old.

[Dogmatix]

Let them charge a higher price if they organise a different queue for them. Normally you just get assigned one of these things without asking for one and as you get in the driver informs you that he refuses to use the meter. The standard taxis sometimes try to refuse to take passengers with more than one suitcase between which is an excuse when they are not satisfied with your destination.

Why is it that anything to do with foreign tourists in Thailand ends up as a dishonest scam, even if supposedly regulated by government? Thainess seems to include a big streak of xenophobia and jealousy of foreigners who are all believed to be wealthy, despite the evidence that of all the rich as Croesus Thai-Chinese billionaires around.

Edited January 28, 2015 by Dogmatix

[stoli]

Situations like this arise by the mis-management and cosy arrangements over the years then when it gets out of hand the authorities don't know how to handle it. if tough action needs to be taken they don't have what it takes to get on with it.

Then the US Embassy should send someone to visit and talk to the threatening parties.

?????

Maybe the Iran Embassy in New York could talk to the Taxi union's in New York also. ????? Why would another country have power over someone else's labor problems.

[rasmus5150]

Only 3 words. Skytrain Skytrain Skytrain

[ronthai]

Good, I hope this "strike" will last for a month or more. They will have no income at all and all other good transport makes more HONEST income.

Maybe then they will learn, ahh who am I kinding, they will never learn

[trogers]

Situations like this arise by the mis-management and cosy arrangements over the years then when it gets out of hand the authorities don't know how to handle it. if tough action needs to be taken they don't have what it takes to get on with it.

Then the US Embassy should send someone to visit and talk to the threatening parties.

?????

Maybe the Iran Embassy in New York could talk to the Taxi union's in New York also. ????? Why would another country have power over someone else's labor problems.

Nor would the US military step in to handle New York's taxi union.

But not in Thailand. Since the US is so active on issues on politics, they surely have more power over taxi issues?

[Regyai]

and what does Papa Doc Prayut say?

[SoiBiker]

Hopefully they sort this out. If two or three of you arrive with a fair amount of baggage, a normal taxi doesn't cut it.

If that is the case then you should use 2 taxis and pay the extra for what you have. These van taxis drivers should be given the boot and see how fast they come running back when they miss their next car payment or can't feed their families. Let them go.

When I'm meeting visiting friends at the airport, I'd prefer to travel in the taxi with them.

[makkam]

Yes allow them to charge more.

The price of oil has halved in the last few months. Are they going to pass this saving onto their customers ?

yes the cabbies operating out of jfk, Heathrow etc have all reduced their fares i'll bet.

it's only Thai taxi drivers that rip travellers off, everywhere else the taxi drivers are angels of mercy

[Jonmarleesco]

They buy 2.0L cars, then expect the passenger to subsidise them? Well, let them stop their usurious services; it is those, after all, that are the nub of all the problems. Let's see who gives way first; the taxis; or the passengers, who will be inconvenienced by the need to take the train, with the airport inconvenienced by the need to up their game.

[Bignose]

Many of the previous posters have it right, let them instigate a ban, and let it last as long as they like. It was correctly stated that this has come about because of administrative inaction or just plain shady and corrupt deals in the past.

If the taxi mafia are to be "educated" then it shall take quite some considerable time, the tourists are largely unaware of the alternative ways to reach Bangkok from the airport, that may never change, but a more resolute approach from us locals should be achievable.

Get the bus or the train, you know it makes sense!

[chrisinth]

I hope that the airport authorities, swiftly followed by TAT recognize that with the exception of immigration and customs, the taxi for many will be the first experience for the tourist in Thailand.

They set a bad enough example at the moment as the complaint forms every passenger is meant to be given obviously doesn't work. Give them more latitude and watch it go further down the drain.

[WhamBam]

Wherever possible and with the right flight times, I book Bells Bus to Pattaya. Cheap, convenient and they use mini-buses to take you to your destination from the main bus station. Almost door to door service.

On those occasions I have been travelling from the airport to somewhere 'up north', I have used a private service like Mr. T. and never had a problem.

Let them protest and go elsewhere if they are not happy with the fares they are getting. There are alternatives.

[Geordie59]

At the risk of being abused by most on here I actually believe they may have a valid case. And I doubt the oil / gas price will stay as low as it is for long.

That said they have been ripping some people off for years, but that happens at most airports I travel through.

[colinneil]

They have to many taxis anyway. Any taxi refusing service bye bye no license.

They are just a bunch of robbing cheating thugs.

[rainman333]

has there ever been a workforce strike in Thailand?

[Artisi]

Many of the previous posters have it right, let them instigate a ban, and let it last as long as they like. It was correctly stated that this has come about because of administrative inaction or just plain shady and corrupt deals in the past.

If the taxi mafia are to be "educated" then it shall take quite some considerable time, the tourists are largely unaware of the alternative ways to reach Bangkok from the airport, that may never change, but a more resolute approach from us locals should be achievable.

Get the bus or the train, you know it makes sense!

Let them strike as long as they want, schedule more buses to operate into the city , if insufficient buses just use the military transport until such times the taxi drivers wakeup to the reality of life.

[trogers]

Many of the previous posters have it right, let them instigate a ban, and let it last as long as they like. It was correctly stated that this has come about because of administrative inaction or just plain shady and corrupt deals in the past.

If the taxi mafia are to be "educated" then it shall take quite some considerable time, the tourists are largely unaware of the alternative ways to reach Bangkok from the airport, that may never change, but a more resolute approach from us locals should be achievable.

Get the bus or the train, you know it makes sense!

Let them strike as long as they want, schedule more buses to operate into the city , if insufficient buses just use the military transport until such times the taxi drivers wakeup to the reality of life.

Military transport would need escorts to prevent 'kamikaze' attacks. Recall a taxi vs a tank not too long ago?

Edited January 28, 2015 by trogers

[RtotheC]

I'll never forgett the first time I came here and I took a taxi to the Khao San area for 700 baht because I diddnt know any better at the time. Screw it, let them go. The Airport Rail Link is a much better deal anyways. The shuttle to the airport bus station is also free.

[Mr Wonderful]

But its not like you can pick what taxi you get. Im sure the vans would be worth a premium to some people, but for most of us, they are an inferior product.

Indeed you can choose between van and regular taxi. On the automated kiosk. I see no issue with having people who choose them to pay a surcharge. If a van picks up a passenger who chose a regular taxi then they should charge the normal fare.

I for one think there are lots who appreciate having a separate taxi van queue and.have no problem paying a hundred baht more for that.

We have our own van taxi to come to the airport to meet us because until recently one was not able choose a van. We pay him 1000 THB per trip. But with the new van queue we can just go and pick any for less than half of that rate.

[Artisi]

Many of the previous posters have it right, let them instigate a ban, and let it last as long as they like. It was correctly stated that this has come about because of administrative inaction or just plain shady and corrupt deals in the past.

If the taxi mafia are to be "educated" then it shall take quite some considerable time, the tourists are largely unaware of the alternative ways to reach Bangkok from the airport, that may never change, but a more resolute approach from us locals should be achievable.

Get the bus or the train, you know it makes sense!

Let them strike as long as they want, schedule more buses to operate into the city , if insufficient buses just use the military transport until such times the taxi drivers wakeup to the reality of life.

Military transport would need escorts to prevent 'kamikaze' attacks. Recall a taxi vs a tank not too long ago?

Could be like the good old days - have someone ride shot-gun to keep the baddies at bay.

[Jdiddy]

Doesn't matter whether I'm off to Bangkok or Pattaya, I stuck two fingers up to these taxi drivers a long time ago...BTS and buses are good enough for me and better than them...I'm a light traveler but if you happen to have too many bags for that then there are quite a few taxi services that people book in advance and often mention on these forums....use them

I dislike public transport nearly as much as whining cab drivers, ive locked my push bike at the airport and left it for a few days from time to time as its the one mode of transport that is free, im in control and in charge at all times and dont have to deal with anyone or have to explain to the driver i dont want to go to his ladyboy brothel

[impulse]

They buy 2.0L cars, then expect the passenger to subsidise them? Well, let them stop their usurious services; it is those, after all, that are the nub of all the problems. Let's see who gives way first; the taxis; or the passengers, who will be inconvenienced by the need to take the train, with the airport inconvenienced by the need to up their game.

No. The vans that hold more than 2 people and a couple of bags come with 2 liter engines. They're bigger, safer, generally newer, and more comfortable. Oh, and they do cost more to operate.

I'm 100% in favor of allowing them to charge more than the little 1.5 liter, 4 door POS's I generally ride in. I'm also in favor of allowing those drivers who buy new cars to charge more than the 10 year old cars with bad clutches and squeaky brakes.

In fact, if I could choose- I'd gladly pay more to select one of the bigger (newer, with seat belts not hidden) van style taxis- even riding alone. Not AOT limousine more, but 50 baht more? In a heartbeat.

But since I generally travel alone, they always line me up with the standard, tiny 4 door POS.

Edited January 28, 2015 by impulse

[mulenguex]

Hahaha! Funny greedy <deleted>! Solution: Get the airport link train to some station and pick a taxi from there.

[wabothai]

No problem let them go, there are enough alternatives for half the price.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Hopefully they sort this out. If two or three of you arrive with a fair amount of baggage, a normal taxi doesn't cut it.

A lot of times when I arrive at Suvarnabhumi, I have a lot of luggage from international flights... and I WANT the larger van type taxis...

But at least using the downstairs taxi queue, they're almost impossible to find or even request. The only taxis I ever see picking up passengers down there are the regular four-door sedans, typically with the trunk half occupied by the fuel tank.

[2fishin2]

What does fuel have to do with cng or gas? All of them run on gas.

Who forced them to buy bigger engines?

Can only hope AOT does not give in to this scammers.

Do you know just how cheap cng is....its pennies compared to "gas"

[Mr Wonderful]

Hopefully they sort this out. If two or three of you arrive with a fair amount of baggage, a normal taxi doesn't cut it.

A lot of times when I arrive at Suvarnabhumi, I have a lot of luggage from international flights... and I WANT the larger van type taxis...

But at least using the downstairs taxi queue, they're almost impossible to find or even request. The only taxis I ever see picking up passengers down there are the regular four-door sedans, typically with the trunk half occupied by the fuel tank.

Try the new electronic kiosks. Separate choice of van or regular taxi is available. Just push on the correct picture!

[impulse]

Hopefully they sort this out. If two or three of you arrive with a fair amount of baggage, a normal taxi doesn't cut it.

A lot of times when I arrive at Suvarnabhumi, I have a lot of luggage from international flights... and I WANT the larger van type taxis...

But at least using the downstairs taxi queue, they're almost impossible to find or even request. The only taxis I ever see picking up passengers down there are the regular four-door sedans, typically with the trunk half occupied by the fuel tank.

I suspect they're scarce at times, but every time I use the new "semi-auto" system, they ask how many in my party. Answer is usually "one" so they give me a 4 door POS. The folks that answer "a lot" get the van style.

The trade-off is that I usually get the first slip out of the machine, while those needing a van may have to wait a few more minutes. I've even bypassed others in the line who were waiting on a slip of paper indicating a bigger car. Apparently, taxi details are on the slip.

[cracker1]

I have been surprised at the proliferation of larger taxis in Bangkok. Vehicles like Toyota's Fortuna costing near 1.5 million baht competing with the Toyota Corolla's at about half the cost. What were the owners of the big cars thinking about their return on investment ? Get yourselves a smaller vehicle (Or two of them for the same price) and you may well make some money.