The "Problems" Of Getting A Taxi In Lower Sukhumvit...

[smokie36]

Jeez....I picked up a taxi from Thonglor to take us home at 9pm last night.

Got in....he switched on the meter....on arrival I paid him 100 Baht and he gave me the 15 Baht change.

Its hard to believe isn't it?

Oh and it was the first taxi I hailed!!

[smokie36]

Oh and at 6pm we went from Silom....along Rama 4 to Thonglor....that time was the second taxi we hailed.

I can only remember one occasion where the driver refused the meter....from Pratunam going to Asoke last month....and yes he started talking gem shops.

Out I got....next one fine.

[AlQaholic]

I would like to share my experience too...

Some time ago I took a ride on the Sky-train from Swampy in to the Siam square station, with a change of train on the way. I bought a token. The train came and I went into the train. Then the doors closed. Then the train traveled into the Center of Bangkok without anything happening. Then I went off, bought a new ticket and changed train and the same thing happened until I came off at my destination.

Just thought everyone should know about my experience....

Oh...and just for those coming out of the bars around 1-2 am.....Is Thermae still operating?

Edited February 3, 2015 by AlQaholic

[SoiBiker]

There must be some reason why some of us rarely experience taxi difficulties whilst others claim to find them almost unusable. Perhaps the destination requested has some bearing on this? Poor choice of starting location? The way in which you state your destination to the driver, and whether you do so in English or Thai? How the passenger looks?

[Swampypoom]

I would like to share my experience too...

Some time ago I took a ride on the Sky-train from Swampy in to the Siam square station, with a change of train on the way. I bought a token. The train came and I went into the train. Then the doors closed. Then the train traveled into the Center of Bangkok without anything happening. Then I went off, bought a new ticket and changed train and the same thing happened until I came off at my destination.

Just thought everyone should know about my experience....

Oh...and just for those coming out of the bars around 1-2 am.....Is Thermae still operating?

I thought the last train from Swampy leaves at 00:05?? Did the Airport Link extend its' hours?

[Sviss Geez]

So, it seems that you are quite proud of yourself because you are able to get a taxi on a regular basis, which takes you where you want to go for an agreed on price. Well, good for you. For many other people, myself included, the situation is often, not "very rarely" , quite different.

Well, good for you too!

As this is a thread I started about my experience I think my thoughts are relevant, don't you? Your tone suggests that you don't like them but then you don't have to participate.

The idea of starting a thread is to stimulate conversation. Just because the conversation you started seems to be 90% to 10% against you doesn't mean you should be telling people not to post.

That would be pretty much like driving a taxi while avoiding people who want to take a taxi.

You have an odd understanding of the general consensus of opinion on this thread.

I didn't tell anyone not to post, as you well know, but what's the point of your joining in if you just want to deliberately misinterpret what is said and then post "7-11" and "serving wenches" nonsense?

[Sviss Geez]

There must be some reason why some of us rarely experience taxi difficulties whilst others claim to find them almost unusable. Perhaps the destination requested has some bearing on this? Poor choice of starting location? The way in which you state your destination to the driver, and whether you do so in English or Thai? How the passenger looks?

...or whether untrue stories are simply being fabricated by the Thai-bashers?

[SoiBiker]

There must be some reason why some of us rarely experience taxi difficulties whilst others claim to find them almost unusable. Perhaps the destination requested has some bearing on this? Poor choice of starting location? The way in which you state your destination to the driver, and whether you do so in English or Thai? How the passenger looks?

...or whether untrue stories are simply being fabricated by the Thai-bashers?

I think if anything there's just a little exaggeration going on. Being turned down a taxi now and then becoming multiple rejections at every attempt, perhaps.

[siampolee]

Going back over the years (24+) I certainly never encountered more than 10 or 12 refusals, the majority on them being due to the time factor and cab rental time and only a couple of times for destinations.

I'm currently using taxi's due to a motorcycle parking itself into the side of my P/U which is now in the body shop,. Again as before no taxi problems ..

[inbangkok]

Just though I'd post my experience, which also happens to be very typical as far as I'm concerned.

Last Friday night/Saturday morning I left the Lounge Bar/New Wave in Soi 7 just after 3.00 am and walked down to Sukhumvit. I stopped a taxi, told the driver where I wanted to go (a 30/40 minute trip), got in, he turned the meter on and took me home. When we got to my destination he charged me the amount that was showing on the meter.

People who are unfamiliar with Bangkok should be aware that it is very rare that anything different happens.

Really? So all the Thai people complaining about taxis are "unfamiliar" with BKK? Even though they are Thai and live here? It is becoming increasingly rare to get a taxi to take you where you want to go on the first try.......... Ask any Thai person and they will tell you the same.

Of course not, I'm not talking about Thais or other locals complaining, I'm setting the record straight from my perspective and suggesting to people that are unfamiliar with Bangkok that not every taxi driver is a scammer and fraudster despite ThaiVisa posts. Your post is a prime example of why I posted my experience.

Um, no. What you suggested is that it is rare (your words) to experience anything other than this..... Simply not true. The vast majority of people living in BKK these days seem to be having trouble with taxis.

And no one ever said every taxi driver is a fraudster or scammer. But a very disturbing number of them certainly are.

Um, no, let's get this right, what I said simply is true.

The vast majority of ThaiVisa members have an agenda to Thai-bash at every opportunity. Please don't confuse the vast majority of ThaiVisa members with the vast majority of people living in Bangkok, there is no correlation between the two, the vast majority of those people have no idea what ThaiVisa is, for example, even the vast majority of customers of New Wave/ThaiVisa Lounge have never heard of ThaiVisa.

So many posters here do insinuate that all taxi drivers are scammers, a very small number of them actually are.

Lol.... Yeah... So true.... Because like I said..... Not like most Thai people have problems with taxis as well.

And now you are just rambling.... No one said Thai visa users represent most foreigners here or whatever.....

Look, you posted something incredibly stupid and now you are getting flack for it. Go read what THAI people have to say on Pantip about the taxi problems in this country....... Or just ask a Thai person (if you know any) and stop claiming stupid things like getting a taxi at 3 am without a problem is representative of the current situation here in BKK.

Edited February 3, 2015 by inbangkok

[Fullstop]

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Slightly off topic..... but I would think of 'Lower Sukhumvit' as down On Nut Bang Na way, not up near Asoke or Nana.

Reason being is that those areas are further south and further down from the beginning of the road. Is my logic flawed?

You seem to be totally ignoring the soi numbers ... (starting with Soi 1 in lower Suk) ... yes. Your logic is flawed.

[richard_smith237]

There must be some reason why some of us rarely experience taxi difficulties whilst others claim to find them almost unusable. Perhaps the destination requested has some bearing on this? Poor choice of starting location? The way in which you state your destination to the driver, and whether you do so in English or Thai? How the passenger looks?

...or whether untrue stories are simply being fabricated by the Thai-bashers?

I'm aware some may experience few issues with Taxi's, their only explanation of events is to suspect other members of being hungry to bash Thai's at the first opportunity...

While this may be the case for some, it isn't for many. Many of us live here, love Thailand and its people, however, its a disappointment for many of us who care so much about this country to see it's reputation partially damaged by those taxi drivers tourists, friends and ourselves are likely to encounter.

Its also just plain frustrating for many of us to encounter these repetitive issues on a regular basis. The issue has become significant enough for me to start avoiding taxi's where possible... i.e. by using UBER, especially when in central areas of high footfall which usually have sufficient UBER coverage and a higher incidence of Taxi drivers stretching our patience in some form or other (refusal, meter issues, poor driving, poor manners).

IMO: The fact that this thread exists is recognition enough that there are some bad applies out there driving Taxi's - the need for some to address the balance and provide examples of good drivers is sufficient to suggest an abundance of negative. In a slightly sarcastic tone against this thread a poster gave the example of using the Sky Train without issue, thus making a valid point... There are no negative experiences on the skytrain, hence no need to re-address any balance.

Bad Taxi drivers exist - many of us are getting fed up with it - However, in the interests of balance not every journey is a bad one.

It mainly depends from where you take your taxi...

[berybert]

So, it seems that you are quite proud of yourself because you are able to get a taxi on a regular basis, which takes you where you want to go for an agreed on price. Well, good for you. For many other people, myself included, the situation is often, not "very rarely" , quite different.

Well, good for you too!

As this is a thread I started about my experience I think my thoughts are relevant, don't you? Your tone suggests that you don't like them but then you don't have to participate.

The idea of starting a thread is to stimulate conversation. Just because the conversation you started seems to be 90% to 10% against you doesn't mean you should be telling people not to post.

That would be pretty much like driving a taxi while avoiding people who want to take a taxi.

You have an odd understanding of the general consensus of opinion on this thread.

I didn't tell anyone not to post, as you well know, but what's the point of your joining in if you just want to deliberately misinterpret what is said and then post "7-11" and "serving wenches" nonsense?

The idea of nonsense about 7-11 girls and bar wenches is simple. You got in a taxi and he drove you to were you wanted to go. You then post about it like its a big deal. Someone did their job. Woopy doo.

And to use the excuse some holiday makers are turned down by the driver because they ask to go to the destination in English rather than Thai. That is some proper Thai licking.

Edited February 3, 2015 by berybert

[SoiBiker]

What do you think would happen if you flagged down a London taxi and spoke to the driver in Thai?

[berybert]

What do you think would happen if you flagged down a London taxi and spoke to the driver in Thai?

I expect he would try and work out were you wanted to go and then take you there.

If I ask a taxi driver in Bangkok to take me to Thonglor in English it would sound pretty much the same as if I had said Thonglor in Thai.

Mind you with your way of looking at it now I can see why all those pesky foreigners who cant speak a word of Thai are so hated at the airport.

Can you imagine how bad it must be for someone who makes a living driving holiday makers to their hotels around Thailand to have to deal with those people.

Edited February 3, 2015 by berybert

[Jip99]

Jeez....I picked up a taxi from Thonglor to take us home at 9pm last night.

Got in....he switched on the meter....on arrival I paid him 100 Baht and he gave me the 15 Baht change.

Its hard to believe isn't it?

Oh and it was the first taxi I hailed!!

No tip ?

Tightwad - no wonder you can't get a Thai Visa party off the ground

[smokie36]

Jeez....I picked up a taxi from Thonglor to take us home at 9pm last night.

Got in....he switched on the meter....on arrival I paid him 100 Baht and he gave me the 15 Baht change.

Its hard to believe isn't it?

Oh and it was the first taxi I hailed!!

No tip ?

Tightwad - no wonder you can't get a Thai Visa party off the ground

Nope....you don't need to tip taxi drivers.

There is your tip!

[ALFREDO]

I don't think he is capable of irony.

He is not and has no humor also in my opinion, but can be grumpy easy.

I had a run in with him with PM, just recently, in which I asked friendly innocent questions

and got a rude reaction and respond. More in PM.

Clearly you know or understand nothing about me or many other things. I can be ironic when it is appropriate or when I choose to be but perhaps you actually don't understand what it is? You didn't have a run in with me recently, you PM'd me with a ridiculous message, not in English, then started, as a complete stranger, to question me about my nationality.

I hope you two get on well together, maybe you could pair up for a regular cozy quiz night.

I thought your name is a SWISS one, I wrote a friendly PM in German,

as I like Swiss people and as we are both born as Sagittarius. Wished you a Happy Birthday to.

You answered, = "What?"

I realized, my thoughts are wrong, checked the Internet, your Thai Visa name, translates in "Google translate" as -Icelandic- language and -Switzerland Geez (Jesus)-

and wrote back to you, now curious.

"So, you are not a Swiss, what does your name than in what language mean?

Thank you. Alfred"

Your "nice" respond

"Why would you think I am Swiss and why the interest in what my name means

and in what language, for god's sake?

Don't reply to this, just mind your own business"

I will spare the audience my answer.

[ALFREDO]

I would like to share my experience too...

Some time ago I took a ride on the Sky-train from Swampy in to the Siam square station, with a change of train on the way. I bought a token. The train came and I went into the train. Then the doors closed. Then the train traveled into the Center of Bangkok without anything happening. Then I went off, bought a new ticket and changed train and the same thing happened until I came off at my destination.

Just thought everyone should know about my experience....

Oh...and just for those coming out of the bars around 1-2 am.....Is Thermae still operating?

Yes, it is.

Near Corner Soi 15 stairs down.

Only, nowadays, mostly frequented by Asians and girls-women who like Asians more.

[SoiBiker]

I don't think he is capable of irony.

He is not and has no humor also in my opinion, but can be grumpy easy.

I had a run in with him with PM, just recently, in which I asked friendly innocent questions

and got a rude reaction and respond. More in PM.

Clearly you know or understand nothing about me or many other things. I can be ironic when it is appropriate or when I choose to be but perhaps you actually don't understand what it is? You didn't have a run in with me recently, you PM'd me with a ridiculous message, not in English, then started, as a complete stranger, to question me about my nationality.

I hope you two get on well together, maybe you could pair up for a regular cozy quiz night.

I thought your name is a SWISS one, I wrote a friendly PM in German,

as I like Swiss people and as we are both born as Sagittarius. Wished you a Happy Birthday to.

You answered, = "What?"

I realized, my thoughts are wrong, checked the Internet, your Thai Visa name, translates in "Google translate" as -Icelandic- language and -Switzerland Geez (Jesus)-

and wrote back to you, now curious.

"So, you are not a Swiss, what does your name than in what language mean?

Thank you. Alfred"

Your "nice" respond

"Why would you think I am Swiss and why the interest in what my name means

and in what language, for god's sake?

Don't reply to this, just mind your own business"

I will spare the audience my answer.

You should have spared us the whole thing.

[ALFREDO]

You should have spared us the whole thing.

Do not know why you get offended, just not read it, recognize it.

But it seems, you have the same "friendly attitude" as he has.

You should meet, so much common.

[Sviss Geez]

Um, no, let's get this right, what I said simply is true.

The vast majority of ThaiVisa members have an agenda to Thai-bash at every opportunity. Please don't confuse the vast majority of ThaiVisa members with the vast majority of people living in Bangkok, there is no correlation between the two, the vast majority of those people have no idea what ThaiVisa is, for example, even the vast majority of customers of New Wave/ThaiVisa Lounge have never heard of ThaiVisa.

So many posters here do insinuate that all taxi drivers are scammers, a very small number of them actually are.

Lol.... Yeah... So true.... Because like I said..... Not like most Thai people have problems with taxis as well.

And now you are just rambling.... No one said Thai visa users represent most foreigners here or whatever.....

Look, you posted something incredibly stupid and now you are getting flack for it. Go read what THAI people have to say on Pantip about the taxi problems in this country....... Or just ask a Thai person (if you know any) and stop claiming stupid things like getting a taxi at 3 am without a problem is representative of the current situation here in BKK.

Posted something incredibly stupid? Rambling? No, that wasn't me but there is virtually no flack flying around anyway just a couple of fatuous comments by inane posters and someone who can't even post quotes legibly.

Edited February 3, 2015 by Sviss Geez

[Sviss Geez]

You have an odd understanding of the general consensus of opinion on this thread.

I didn't tell anyone not to post, as you well know, but what's the point of your joining in if you just want to deliberately misinterpret what is said and then post "7-11" and "serving wenches" nonsense?

The idea of nonsense about 7-11 girls and bar wenches is simple. You got in a taxi and he drove you to were you wanted to go. You then post about it like its a big deal. Someone did their job. Woopy doo.

And to use the excuse some holiday makers are turned down by the driver because they ask to go to the destination in English rather than Thai. That is some proper Thai licking.

"The idea of nonsense about 7-11 girls and bar wenches is simple." Sure was, simple, not worth considering, that's what I was suggesting.

"And to use the excuse some holiday makers are turned down by the driver because they ask to go to the destination in English rather than Thai. That is some proper Thai licking."

Are you thick? Why don't you address that point to whoever posted it, it certainly wasn't me

Edited February 3, 2015 by Sviss Geez

[Sviss Geez]

Clearly you know or understand nothing about me or many other things. I can be ironic when it is appropriate or when I choose to be but perhaps you actually don't understand what it is? You didn't have a run in with me recently, you PM'd me with a ridiculous message, not in English, then started, as a complete stranger, to question me about my nationality.

I hope you two get on well together, maybe you could pair up for a regular cozy quiz night.

I thought your name is a SWISS one, I wrote a friendly PM in German,

as I like Swiss people and as we are both born as Sagittarius. Wished you a Happy Birthday to.

You answered, = "What?"

I realized, my thoughts are wrong, checked the Internet, your Thai Visa name, translates in "Google translate" as -Icelandic- language and -Switzerland Geez (Jesus)-

and wrote back to you, now curious.

"So, you are not a Swiss, what does your name than in what language mean?

Thank you. Alfred"

Your "nice" respond

"Why would you think I am Swiss and why the interest in what my name means

and in what language, for god's sake?

Don't reply to this, just mind your own business"

I will spare the audience my answer.

You Google-translated my user name? So incredibly sad. My user name has nothing to do with Iceland and certainly doesn't relate to Jesus. Neither is it the business of a complete stranger on an English language forum who sends PMs in a foreign language and who doesn't identify himself.

[The Dancer]

Oh...and just for those coming out of the bars around 1-2 am.....Is Thermae still operating?

I believe so. At least it was a couple of months ago and hopping inside full of Japanese/Korean guys.

[berybert]

You have an odd understanding of the general consensus of opinion on this thread.

I didn't tell anyone not to post, as you well know, but what's the point of your joining in if you just want to deliberately misinterpret what is said and then post "7-11" and "serving wenches" nonsense?

The idea of nonsense about 7-11 girls and bar wenches is simple. You got in a taxi and he drove you to were you wanted to go. You then post about it like its a big deal. Someone did their job. Woopy doo.

And to use the excuse some holiday makers are turned down by the driver because they ask to go to the destination in English rather than Thai. That is some proper Thai licking.

"The idea of nonsense about 7-11 girls and bar wenches is simple." Sure was, simple, not worth considering, that's what I was suggesting.

"And to use the excuse some holiday makers are turned down by the driver because they ask to go to the destination in English rather than Thai. That is some proper Thai licking."

Are you thick? Why don't you address that point to whoever posted it, it certainly wasn't me

Ah I get it now you decided to reply to something you didn't consider worthy of a reply.

Am I thick ?. My reply was to the person who asked the question, any reason you felt the need to respond to it ?

Am I thick?. Or would that be you.

Edited February 3, 2015 by berybert

[ALFREDO]

You Google-translated my user name? So incredibly sad. My user name has nothing to do with Iceland and certainly doesn't relate to Jesus. Neither is it the business of a complete stranger on an English language forum who sends PMs in a foreign language and who doesn't identify himself.

Nothing to be sad about. Google translate is not 100%.

Regarding - "Neither is it the business of a complete stranger on an English language forum"

If you so fearful about your privacy, even with your username, possibly you should not write on an open forum? Paranoia?

Regarding - "PMs in a foreign language"

Did not know that is not allowed and did not send "PMs" sent only one PM in a foreign language

and others in English. Counting, we still have to learn.

[richard_smith237]

What do you think would happen if you flagged down a London taxi and spoke to the driver in Thai?

Major flaws in this if it is suggesting that the language barrier is an excuse for poor service:

Firstly:

If say a Thai came to the UK and asked a London cabby to take him to 'Bakiram parrace' (or something equally as ill pronounced) the London cabby would work it out...

If say a Frenchman came to the UK and asked a London cabby to take him to 'Kungs Kress Tran Stassion'... the London cabby would work it out...

If say a Vietnamese person came to the UK with no English at all and instead of asking, pointed to a spot on a Map... the London cabby would work it out...

In fact - in pretty much every circumstance the London cabby can and would work it out...

The issue with London Cabs is the price... Its down right expensive, then again, so is food, rent etc... a London Cabby makes enough to survive and save a little if he's smart, just as a Thai Taxi driver does.

Secondly:

Most of the issues I, many of my friends and as it appears many on ThaiVisa.com encounter with Thai Taxi's is when we are speaking well pronounced Thai. Added to which Thai passengers are complaining of exactly the same issues...

This is not a language issue - its an attitude issue...

Edited February 3, 2015 by richard_smith237

[BKKdreaming]

are Taxis in London, Paris, Frankfurt allowed to pick up who they want or do they have to pick up anyone who flags them down ?

and are they required to take the passanger wherever they want to go if they know they will have to return with no fare ?

I live in California and we do not have a "Taxi" culture so I do not know how it works here

[berybert]

are Taxis in London, Paris, Frankfurt allowed to pick up who they want or do they have to pick up anyone who flags them down ?

and are they required to take the passanger wherever they want to go if they know they will have to return with no fare ?

I live in California and we do not have a "Taxi" culture so I do not know how it works here

There are 2 different types of cabs in London. The famous black cab, which drivers have to take the knowledge to get a license for. Which can take 3 to 5 years to get.

They are legally obliged to take on any job 6 miles or less, or 20 miles from Heathrow, and my guess would be any other London airport.

If a black cab driver has had enough and wants to go home he will turn off his meter. Once the meter is off then he need not stop.

I know on long hauls whereby customers who maybe want to go from say London to Scotland the driver will charge a fare and a half.

Meaning the customer instead of paying 200 pounds for the ride will pay 300 pounds. And if the driver can get a ride back then even better for him.

Then you have the other types of cab that operate as they wish. Very little training and many who will be illegal drivers, plenty who will be illegal immigrants.

These are cabs where lots of young women over the years have been driven to places they don't want to go and have been raped.

These are the cabs you are requested to avoid by most tourist operators in London.

As for Paris, you will need to ask a Frenchie, and Herman for the German.

Edited February 5, 2015 by berybert