Uber rival Grab launches taxi service in Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen

[ubonjoe]

Ride hailing service Grab has announced it is to expand its services to Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen.

 

Full story: http://tech.thaivisa.com/uber-rival-grab-launches-taxi-service-in-ubon-ratchathani-and-khon-kaen/18746/

[ubonrthai]

This is not working yet? Anyone heard when it starts?

[NiwPix]

I haven't used it here in ubon yet, but in bangkok many times. When it was announced for ubon, I opened the app and saw 1 taxi in the area. I think it may be only one or two taxis at the moment, but surely more will sign up soon. Just give it some time :)

[David B in Thailand]

Grab proved very helpful to me in Bangkok and I do hope it makes progress growing in Isaan. 

[ubonrthai]

I just happened to see the only one today. Haha

[mistabent]

A guest used it a couple days ago.  Showed one available driver.  He hailed it via the app, the driver still called his cell to confirm location  (don't know why, the app shows the driver exactly where he is). 5 minutes later the car pulls up, it's a metered taxi.  20 B charge for the service and meter for the ride, so exact same as calling taxi dispatch. I was told all the drivers will be taxi drivers, so effectively it's just a way to call a taxi via app instead of by phone.  May still be helpful in making it easier for taxi to know where you are, and maybe for tourists who have WiFi but not Thai phone service. 

[blackion]

20b for service +meter starts at 40b?

[ubonjoe]

7 hours ago, blackion said:

20b for service +meter starts at 40b?

If you call for a taxi it is 20 baht for the service. The meter starts at 30 baht here in Ubon.

[SantiSuk]

I do not applaud the arrival of unregulated taxi services unless the regulated system is broke, which I don't think it is in Ubon.

 

Unregulated means unproven drivers and experience elsewhere says it increases the rape risk for women. Happy to hear other sides of the debate. 

 

If Grab is prepared to be regulated on the same level playing field as the authorised official service that's fine.

[blackion]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

If you call for a taxi it is 20 baht for the service. The meter starts at 30 baht here in Ubon.

Two days ago and yesterday I used a taxi in Ubon. Both started meter at 40 baht. 

 

Btw: I stay near Ubonrak hospital, could you please recommend nearest money change place? 

[SantiSuk]

The rate may have just gone up. I'd be surprised if it's a falang premium!

There is another thread on money changing - look back about 6 months ago on the Isaan threads page or google "foreign currency exchange ubon thaivisa.com".

 

From memory the conclusion was that there are none of the recognised cheap money changers ("Rich") etc, so it's down to the banks (or did someone say try a large gold shop?). 

 

There is a Krungthai Bank about 500m north of Ubonrak on the corner of Buraphanai Rd (that's the main Rd outside Ubonrak) and Sapphasit Rd (look for the high-flying blue KTB sign as you walk up the west side of Buraphanai, then cross over when you see it). I think that is the closest unless others know different.

Edited May 4, 2017 by SantiSuk

[ubonjoe]

2 hours ago, blackion said:

Two days ago and yesterday I used a taxi in Ubon. Both started meter at 40 baht. 

It may of gone up since the last time I used one or I didn't notice it.

[blackion]

Is there a fb group for Ubon in English? 

 

Does immigration in Pakse-Ubon border strictly enforces the two times per year rule? My friend who stays in Laos has made successfully 5-6 trips to Thailand (he might have a Lao PR since he is married to Lao woman). 

 

 

[SantiSuk]

Not aware of any Ubon-specific English language fora like a facebook group or page (suspect I would be aware if there was one).

 

Keep in touch with what's going on by occasional visits to any or all of the falang bars (Wrong Way, N-Joy, TC Lakeside, Ubon Irish Pub) - or regular of course if bars are your bag. Befriending owners of Outside Inn (Brent) and Peppers (Julian) would also keep you up to speed.

 

There used to be a social group that met weekly at Laithong Hotel - don't know whether it still does. Another social group (thai and falang) is Ubon Hash House Harriers which meets monthly for a walk or jog (at your option) and socialising afterwards (www.facebook.com/ubonhash)

 

Dunno about repeat one month visa exempt entries at Chong Mek (I assume that's what you are talking about) - most Ubon falangs I know are on annual extensions or multi non-O visas.

 

 

 

Edited May 4, 2017 by SantiSuk

[ubonjoe]

13 hours ago, blackion said:

Is there a fb group for Ubon in English? 

 

Does immigration in Pakse-Ubon border strictly enforces the two times per year rule? My friend who stays in Laos has made successfully 5-6 trips to Thailand (he might have a Lao PR since he is married to Lao woman). 

 

 

Your post is way off topic.

They may be making exceptions for those with Lao residency or long stay visas. All others are limitrf to 2 per calendar year.

[mistabent]

The taxi rate did officially go up to 40B last month, the first increase since taxis came to Ubon.  However, even now some cabs have yet to update their meter, so you may still see some starting at 30B.

[blackion]

Is there Uber in Ubon? Which one is cheaper: taxi, grab or uber? 

Is there any service for a motorcycle rides? 

[anotheruser]

On 5/4/2017 at 8:44 PM, blackion said:

Is there a fb group for Ubon in English? 

 

Does immigration in Pakse-Ubon border strictly enforces the two times per year rule? My friend who stays in Laos has made successfully 5-6 trips to Thailand (he might have a Lao PR since he is married to Lao woman). 

 

 

Strictly enforced. Doesn't matter what his visa or residency situation is in Lao. Two times per year or get a visa.

[blackion]

So how he could do 5-6 trips on VEs this year ? :)