Jan 3, 2015, 2:56 am
Last edit by: IluvSQ
READ THIS FIRST:
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Taxi at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
BKK Terminal Map
Source: AOT
MAP KEY
❶ Arrival Gates - Level Two
❷ Immigration
❸ Baggage Claim Carousels
❹ Customs and Exits to Landside Terminal Area
❺ Elevators/Escalators to Ground Floor Level One
❻ Numbered Exits to Outside (taxi queues are near exits 4 & 7)
WHAT TO DO
Taxis accept cash only. There are ATMs and currency exchangers inside the terminal.
BASE COST
TOLLS
SAMPLE FARES FROM BKK TO...
Amounts are approximate and will vary with traffic, specific drop point, etc.
FARE CALCULATOR TOOLS
Reasonably accurate fare estimates are available from a number of websites and apps. These services provide estimated base fares only. Calculations do not include traffic, tolls, airport fees, etc. Reliability varies - use at your own risk.
FAQs
Q: Should I use the hotel's airport transfer service instead of a taxi?A: It depends on your comfort zone, budget, time of day, number of people/bags, etc. In general, the cost will probably be about two to three times the typical taxi fare, or more. If you are relatively new to Asia, it might be a bit overwhelming, and you might find it reassuring to see someone holding a sign with your name as you walk out of baggage claim.
Q: Is it best to take the expressway or surface streets?A: Depending on your destination and time of day, surface streets might be quicker and/or shorter. However, expressway tolls will usually add less than THB 200 to the trip (see above), so you may wish to defer to your driver.
Q: What types of scams should I watch for?A: The most common thing you'll encounter is taxi drivers who do not want to use the meter. They will often ask for a flat fee that is usually much higher than the meter would register. If a driver refuses to use the meter, it's best to exit the taxi and get another. Do not get angry or argue with the driver. If a driver demands more money on arrival at your hotel, wait until your bags have been offloaded from the vehicle, then seek out a porter or other hotel employee to assist you. Again, do not get angry or argue with the driver. A driver may say there is a THB 50 fee to go to the airport. There is no fee to go TO the airport. If the fee is mentioned at the outset, get out and flag down a new taxi. If it is mentioned upon arrival at the airport, remove all your belongings from the taxi and calmly state that there is no such fee while handing over the metered amount. If the driver is insistent, offering to call over a police officer to assist will usually put an end to the discussion.
Q: What is the most common meter scam?
A: Very often, when you enter the taxi, the meter is obscured with a rag or towel, so you do not see that it has been running prior to your entrance,
and is now well over 100 Baht. Always ensure that you observe the driver starting the meter.
Q: If the driver does scam me, how much money are we talking about?A: Usually no more than THB 200-300, which is about USD 7-10
Q: I think I still have other questions...A: Just hit the reply button and get feedback from other helpful FlyerTalkers who take Bangkok taxis regularly!
Q: This all sounds like hassle. Is there some way I can use a small amount of money to make that go away?A: The AOT limo stands before and immediately after customs are trustworthy, although their initial quote will be for their most expensive vehicle. Ask for the Isuzu SUV. You'll be looking at 1,050THB / $33.50 to the center of town, inclusive of all fees and fares, and a small increment on that for a sedan. Credit cards are accepted. You will get a printed receipt before you get in the taxi. The vehicle will be well-driven, clean, and will have seatbelts.
Special thanks to FlyerTalker c_9 for building this wikipost.
This is a member-maintained wiki. FlyerTalkers are invited to update, add missing information and make corrections as needed. Thanks for helping out!
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Taxi at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
BKK Terminal Map
Source: AOT
MAP KEY
❶ Arrival Gates - Level Two
❷ Immigration
❸ Baggage Claim Carousels
❹ Customs and Exits to Landside Terminal Area
❺ Elevators/Escalators to Ground Floor Level One
❻ Numbered Exits to Outside (taxi queues are near exits 4 & 7)
WHAT TO DO
Taxis accept cash only. There are ATMs and currency exchangers inside the terminal.
- Take an elevator or escalator down to the ground level.
- Follow the signs to one of the two taxi queues outside of the terminal on Level One.
- The taxi queue attendant will ask your destination and write it on a taxi slip. UPDATE: There are no longer attendants to write your destination at BKK. You get a slip from a touchscreen kiosk which directs you to a parking stall number where you meet your car/driver.
- The larger part of the taxi slip is yours to keep, the smaller part goes to your driver. Be sure to keep your taxi slip as it contains information you will need if a problem arises. Do not give your portion of the taxi slip to the driver, even if he asks for it. UPDATE: There is no portion of the new slip from the kiosk to give the driver.
BASE COST
- Airport Fee - THB 50 per taxi levied from the airport (never to the airport)
- THB 35 - flag drop through 1km
- +THB 5.50/km for kilometers 1+ through 10
- +THB 6.50/km for kilometers 10+ through 20
- +THB 7.50/km for kilometers 20-40
- +THB 2 per minute waiting or standing in traffic (less than 6kph)
TOLLS
- THB 75 to city center (two toll booths)
- THB 60 to DMK
SAMPLE FARES FROM BKK TO...
Amounts are approximate and will vary with traffic, specific drop point, etc.
- City Center - THB 170-200
- Grand Palace - THB 215
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK) - THB 290
- Hua Hin - THB ___ (typically a negotiated flat fee)
- Pattaya - THB ___ (typically a negotiated flat fee)
FARE CALCULATOR TOOLS
Reasonably accurate fare estimates are available from a number of websites and apps. These services provide estimated base fares only. Calculations do not include traffic, tolls, airport fees, etc. Reliability varies - use at your own risk.
- Bangkok Taximeter
- Easy Taxi (app, android)
- Grab Taxi (app, all devices)
- Taxi Auto Fare
- World Taximeter
FAQs
Q: Should I use the hotel's airport transfer service instead of a taxi?A: It depends on your comfort zone, budget, time of day, number of people/bags, etc. In general, the cost will probably be about two to three times the typical taxi fare, or more. If you are relatively new to Asia, it might be a bit overwhelming, and you might find it reassuring to see someone holding a sign with your name as you walk out of baggage claim.
Q: Is it best to take the expressway or surface streets?A: Depending on your destination and time of day, surface streets might be quicker and/or shorter. However, expressway tolls will usually add less than THB 200 to the trip (see above), so you may wish to defer to your driver.
Q: What types of scams should I watch for?A: The most common thing you'll encounter is taxi drivers who do not want to use the meter. They will often ask for a flat fee that is usually much higher than the meter would register. If a driver refuses to use the meter, it's best to exit the taxi and get another. Do not get angry or argue with the driver. If a driver demands more money on arrival at your hotel, wait until your bags have been offloaded from the vehicle, then seek out a porter or other hotel employee to assist you. Again, do not get angry or argue with the driver. A driver may say there is a THB 50 fee to go to the airport. There is no fee to go TO the airport. If the fee is mentioned at the outset, get out and flag down a new taxi. If it is mentioned upon arrival at the airport, remove all your belongings from the taxi and calmly state that there is no such fee while handing over the metered amount. If the driver is insistent, offering to call over a police officer to assist will usually put an end to the discussion.
Q: What is the most common meter scam?
A: Very often, when you enter the taxi, the meter is obscured with a rag or towel, so you do not see that it has been running prior to your entrance,
and is now well over 100 Baht. Always ensure that you observe the driver starting the meter.
Q: If the driver does scam me, how much money are we talking about?A: Usually no more than THB 200-300, which is about USD 7-10
Q: I think I still have other questions...A: Just hit the reply button and get feedback from other helpful FlyerTalkers who take Bangkok taxis regularly!
Q: This all sounds like hassle. Is there some way I can use a small amount of money to make that go away?A: The AOT limo stands before and immediately after customs are trustworthy, although their initial quote will be for their most expensive vehicle. Ask for the Isuzu SUV. You'll be looking at 1,050THB / $33.50 to the center of town, inclusive of all fees and fares, and a small increment on that for a sedan. Credit cards are accepted. You will get a printed receipt before you get in the taxi. The vehicle will be well-driven, clean, and will have seatbelts.
Special thanks to FlyerTalker c_9 for building this wikipost.
This is a member-maintained wiki. FlyerTalkers are invited to update, add missing information and make corrections as needed. Thanks for helping out!
Catching a taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion
Mar 24, 2015, 10:55 pm
#436
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
I think that the machines are silly. All they do is make sure that drivers get passengers in sequence in a pretty fair system. I liked the personal dispatchers. One huge advantage of them was that they spoke English. They would find out where you are going, then write it in Thai for the driver.
Apr 22, 2015, 6:37 pm
#437
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Three taxi drivers fined and suspended
The Nation April 22, 2015 5:36 pm
THE Land Transport Department has swiftly punished three taxi drivers - two for charging Japanese passengers more than their meter-based fares and the other for abandoning his passengers.
The three drivers, who all picked up passengers from Suvarnabhumi Airport, were slapped with a fine and 30-day suspension of their driver's licence.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/brea...-30258509.html
Worst taxi drivers to lose licences after one offence
It’s now one strike and you’re out for bad-behaving taxi drivers who will have their licences revoked after a single, serious offence, the Land Transport Department said Wednesday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...er-one-offence
And, I guess that Japanese chap publicly shamed a couple more taxi drivers this week so,
Two taxi drivers banned for life from Suvarnabhumi
Added by TN on April 20, 2015.
Samut Prakan:-The Suvarnabhumi Airport has banned two taxi drivers from taking up passengers from the airport ever again after they were found charging flat rates on Japanese tourists instead of using their meter.
Dalat Assawet, deputy director of the airport, announced the ban against Nirut Phosri and Phanomyong Kaewamart on Sunday.
Japanese taxi-basher vents again
A Japanese expat who made headlines in January for venting his frustrations about "cheating" taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport has spoken out again.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...er-vents-again
The Nation April 22, 2015 5:36 pm
THE Land Transport Department has swiftly punished three taxi drivers - two for charging Japanese passengers more than their meter-based fares and the other for abandoning his passengers.
The three drivers, who all picked up passengers from Suvarnabhumi Airport, were slapped with a fine and 30-day suspension of their driver's licence.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/brea...-30258509.html
Worst taxi drivers to lose licences after one offence
It’s now one strike and you’re out for bad-behaving taxi drivers who will have their licences revoked after a single, serious offence, the Land Transport Department said Wednesday.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...er-one-offence
And, I guess that Japanese chap publicly shamed a couple more taxi drivers this week so,
Two taxi drivers banned for life from Suvarnabhumi
Added by TN on April 20, 2015.
Samut Prakan:-The Suvarnabhumi Airport has banned two taxi drivers from taking up passengers from the airport ever again after they were found charging flat rates on Japanese tourists instead of using their meter.
Dalat Assawet, deputy director of the airport, announced the ban against Nirut Phosri and Phanomyong Kaewamart on Sunday.
Japanese taxi-basher vents again
A Japanese expat who made headlines in January for venting his frustrations about "cheating" taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport has spoken out again.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...er-vents-again
Apr 23, 2015, 8:46 pm
#438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
(Bigger taxis, as a result of the recent dust-up by the Japanese chap.)
Suvarnabhumi taxis threaten to protest Friday
(begining today, April 24, 2015)
Samut Prakan:- Drivers of over 1,700 taxis at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport threatened to stage three-day protests on Friday to demand baggage fee and higher surcharge.
The threat was raised by Patthawee Meeraj, a representative of the taxi drivers at the airport.
Patthawee said over 1,700 drivers of mini-van taxis at the Suvarnabhumi airport would stop picking up passengers at the airport from Friday to Sunday to highlight their demands.
Patthawee said the taxi drivers of large-sized or mini-van taxies would like the Suvarnabhumi airport to allow them to charge passengers for their bags. They also want a higher surcharge because their taxis are larger and they can carry more bags than normal taxis.
Patthawee added that the drivers of the mini-van taxis also want the right to reject passengers who arrive in a group of more than four. Patthawee reasoned that the insurance policy for taxis does not cover accidents in case the taxis carry more than four passengers at a time.
Patthawee said the government should also increase the metered fare rates for taxis.
But Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong dismissed the threat of protest. Prajin said he has instructed the Suvarnabhumi airport to prepare other transport means for the passengers.
The airport was told to help passengers to use the service of the Airport Rail Link electric trains and the airport will also provide buses to transport passenger to certain spots where they can call taxis.
Prajin said the demands of the mini-van taxi drivers cannot be met now because a government committee studying the demands has not yet completed its study.
Suvarnabhumi taxis threaten to protest Friday
(begining today, April 24, 2015)
Samut Prakan:- Drivers of over 1,700 taxis at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport threatened to stage three-day protests on Friday to demand baggage fee and higher surcharge.
The threat was raised by Patthawee Meeraj, a representative of the taxi drivers at the airport.
Patthawee said over 1,700 drivers of mini-van taxis at the Suvarnabhumi airport would stop picking up passengers at the airport from Friday to Sunday to highlight their demands.
Patthawee said the taxi drivers of large-sized or mini-van taxies would like the Suvarnabhumi airport to allow them to charge passengers for their bags. They also want a higher surcharge because their taxis are larger and they can carry more bags than normal taxis.
Patthawee added that the drivers of the mini-van taxis also want the right to reject passengers who arrive in a group of more than four. Patthawee reasoned that the insurance policy for taxis does not cover accidents in case the taxis carry more than four passengers at a time.
Patthawee said the government should also increase the metered fare rates for taxis.
But Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong dismissed the threat of protest. Prajin said he has instructed the Suvarnabhumi airport to prepare other transport means for the passengers.
The airport was told to help passengers to use the service of the Airport Rail Link electric trains and the airport will also provide buses to transport passenger to certain spots where they can call taxis.
Prajin said the demands of the mini-van taxi drivers cannot be met now because a government committee studying the demands has not yet completed its study.
Last edited by transpac; Apr 23, 2015 at 9:04 pm
Apr 24, 2015, 1:51 am
#439
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Min. of Transport halts taxi fare hike, airport taxis to go on strike
BANGKOK, 24 April 2015, (NNT) - The Transport Minister yesterday announced the suspension of the second taxi fare hike, especially for taxi surcharges at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. He added that an emergency strategy is prepared for this weekend’s airport taxi strike action.
Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told news media that the ministry has decided to shelve the hike plan to conduct further studies. He believed that implementing a taxi hike now would have a large impact on the cost of living.
ACM Prajin has expected the ministry to resume price hikes of taxi fares as well as airport and baggage surcharges in June.
Regarding the planned strike of heavy-duty taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Transport Minister said that passengers would be redirected to the SRTET Airport Rail Link and other modes of public transportation, such as the free shuttle bus services.
About 1,700 heavy-duty taxi operators in Suvarnabhumi International Airport may join the weekend strike. They claimed the airport is forcing too many passengers on the taxis.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/CenterWeb/...O5804240010008
BANGKOK, 24 April 2015, (NNT) - The Transport Minister yesterday announced the suspension of the second taxi fare hike, especially for taxi surcharges at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. He added that an emergency strategy is prepared for this weekend’s airport taxi strike action.
Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told news media that the ministry has decided to shelve the hike plan to conduct further studies. He believed that implementing a taxi hike now would have a large impact on the cost of living.
ACM Prajin has expected the ministry to resume price hikes of taxi fares as well as airport and baggage surcharges in June.
Regarding the planned strike of heavy-duty taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Transport Minister said that passengers would be redirected to the SRTET Airport Rail Link and other modes of public transportation, such as the free shuttle bus services.
About 1,700 heavy-duty taxi operators in Suvarnabhumi International Airport may join the weekend strike. They claimed the airport is forcing too many passengers on the taxis.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/CenterWeb/...O5804240010008
Apr 24, 2015, 3:11 am
#440
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
IOW: We want our lao cao and drink it too. So to speak.
Apr 24, 2015, 8:12 am
#441
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bangkok or San Francisco
Programs: United 1k, Marriott Lifetime PE, Former DL Gold, Former SQ Solitaire, HH Gold
Posts: 11,886
Samut Prakan:- Drivers of over 1,700 taxis at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport threatened to stage three-day protests on Friday to demand baggage fee and higher surcharge.
The threat was raised by Patthawee Meeraj, a representative of the taxi drivers at the airport.
Patthawee said over 1,700 drivers of mini-van taxis at the Suvarnabhumi airport would stop picking up passengers at the airport from Friday to Sunday to highlight their demands.
Patthawee said the taxi drivers of large-sized or mini-van taxies would like the Suvarnabhumi airport to allow them to charge passengers for their bags. They also want a higher surcharge because their taxis are larger and they can carry more bags than normal taxis.
Patthawee added that the drivers of the mini-van taxis also want the right to reject passengers who arrive in a group of more than four. Patthawee reasoned that the insurance policy for taxis does not cover accidents in case the taxis carry more than four passengers at a time.
Patthawee said the government should also increase the metered fare rates for taxis.
The threat was raised by Patthawee Meeraj, a representative of the taxi drivers at the airport.
Patthawee said over 1,700 drivers of mini-van taxis at the Suvarnabhumi airport would stop picking up passengers at the airport from Friday to Sunday to highlight their demands.
Patthawee said the taxi drivers of large-sized or mini-van taxies would like the Suvarnabhumi airport to allow them to charge passengers for their bags. They also want a higher surcharge because their taxis are larger and they can carry more bags than normal taxis.
Patthawee added that the drivers of the mini-van taxis also want the right to reject passengers who arrive in a group of more than four. Patthawee reasoned that the insurance policy for taxis does not cover accidents in case the taxis carry more than four passengers at a time.
Patthawee said the government should also increase the metered fare rates for taxis.
They will never get their "higher rate" demand because it would create problems for people who flag down a taxi on the street and don't realize that they are more expensive.
Having a higher airport fee for the larger taxis makes sense. They are more expensive to buy and operate. Also I agree with the concept of refusing to take multiple passengers to multiple destinations for one fee.
Apr 24, 2015, 6:41 pm
#442
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
It seems like these issues: higher fees for larger vehicles, baggage surcharges, increases in the airport surcharge, have been simply postponed until June. The DLT is "studying" the issues until then.
We just had a significant increase in taxi fares, ~ 12%.
All taxis use CNG/LNG/LPG which is quite inexpensive and subsidized by the government.
A larger vehicle (Innova) is not more expensive to operate than a regular taxi (Altis).
Once there is a higher fee for a larger vehicle that is all that will be available.
Yes, some foreigners may be able or accustomed to paying higher fares in their home country, but 99% of all taxi journeys are made by Thais, most of whom find the fares in line with their earnings.
The only solution may be to have a two-tiered pricing for taxis, where Thais pay the normal fee and foreigners pay 2X- 10X?
Amazing Thailand, where even a Military Dictatorship cannot reign in the taxi mafia.
Taxi van drivers assure no stoppage of services at Suvarnabhumi airport
4-24-2015
BANGKOK: -- Taxi van drivers operating at Suvarnabhumi international airport assured today that they will not stop their services as earlier reported but will not take more than four passengers at a time.
It was reported earlier that about 1,700 taxi van drivers would stage a strike to protest against the airport’s new rule requiring them to take more than four passengers at a time in order to speed up the flow of incoming travellers out of the airport.
Mr Pathavee Meerach, a representative of the taxi drivers, said that making them to take more than four passengers at a time would put the passengers at a disadvantageous position because the additional passengers would not be covered by insurance policy.
He added that the Transport Ministry had not responded to their request to charge baggage fees from passengers.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong maintained that the ministry would not increase taxi fares or allow taxies to charge baggage fees until the completion of a study into the two issues.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tax...abhumi-airport
Suvarnabhumi van taxi strike averted
Drivers of 1,700 van taxis serving Suvarnabhumi airport have called off a threat to strike after authorities agreed to cap the number of passengers per cab at four. Airports of Thailand Plc had been trying...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...strike-averted
Thai Social Media Reaction
Bangkok:- A Facebook community page for taxi drivers has further drawn ire from Bangkok passengers when it posted that drivers of large-sized taxis at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport has protested against what they saw as unfair fare rate for them.
Instead of winning support for the protest, the post instead drew criticisms. Many people posted comments, saying the unhappy taxi drivers should quit their career and leave the Suvarnabhumi for good.
The Voice of Taxis page on Monday posted picture of empty car park ground for taxis. It said drivers of large mini-van types taxis all decided to protest for a day so that passengers with a lot of belongings may try using two small-size taxis instead of one large-sized taxi that wants to collect a flat rate.
It stated that the passengers thought they were taken advantage of by large taxi drivers so they should try packing all their bags into a small taxi.
The protest followed the airport’s ban against two drivers of mini-van taxis who collected a flat rate fare on a group of Japanese tourists instead of using meter. The airport took the action after a Bangkok resident Japanese man posted on his Facebook, complaining against the two taxi drivers.
A Faceobook user who uses the name of Nate Aquarius said: “Congratulation for the protest. Passengers always have options and they don’t have to depend on childish taxi drivers”.
Thanet Kanthasob said he totally agreed with the protest because passengers can pay Bt800 for an Airport limousine to get a much better service than that from mini-van taxis, which charge nearly the same rate with the limousine.
Thanarat Sodsup posted that small-sized taxis, whose drivers are unhappy with the use of meters, should also stop taking up passengers at the airport
We just had a significant increase in taxi fares, ~ 12%.
All taxis use CNG/LNG/LPG which is quite inexpensive and subsidized by the government.
A larger vehicle (Innova) is not more expensive to operate than a regular taxi (Altis).
Once there is a higher fee for a larger vehicle that is all that will be available.
Yes, some foreigners may be able or accustomed to paying higher fares in their home country, but 99% of all taxi journeys are made by Thais, most of whom find the fares in line with their earnings.
The only solution may be to have a two-tiered pricing for taxis, where Thais pay the normal fee and foreigners pay 2X- 10X?
Amazing Thailand, where even a Military Dictatorship cannot reign in the taxi mafia.
Taxi van drivers assure no stoppage of services at Suvarnabhumi airport
4-24-2015
BANGKOK: -- Taxi van drivers operating at Suvarnabhumi international airport assured today that they will not stop their services as earlier reported but will not take more than four passengers at a time.
It was reported earlier that about 1,700 taxi van drivers would stage a strike to protest against the airport’s new rule requiring them to take more than four passengers at a time in order to speed up the flow of incoming travellers out of the airport.
Mr Pathavee Meerach, a representative of the taxi drivers, said that making them to take more than four passengers at a time would put the passengers at a disadvantageous position because the additional passengers would not be covered by insurance policy.
He added that the Transport Ministry had not responded to their request to charge baggage fees from passengers.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong maintained that the ministry would not increase taxi fares or allow taxies to charge baggage fees until the completion of a study into the two issues.
http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/tax...abhumi-airport
Suvarnabhumi van taxi strike averted
Drivers of 1,700 van taxis serving Suvarnabhumi airport have called off a threat to strike after authorities agreed to cap the number of passengers per cab at four. Airports of Thailand Plc had been trying...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...strike-averted
Thai Social Media Reaction
Bangkok:- A Facebook community page for taxi drivers has further drawn ire from Bangkok passengers when it posted that drivers of large-sized taxis at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport has protested against what they saw as unfair fare rate for them.
Instead of winning support for the protest, the post instead drew criticisms. Many people posted comments, saying the unhappy taxi drivers should quit their career and leave the Suvarnabhumi for good.
The Voice of Taxis page on Monday posted picture of empty car park ground for taxis. It said drivers of large mini-van types taxis all decided to protest for a day so that passengers with a lot of belongings may try using two small-size taxis instead of one large-sized taxi that wants to collect a flat rate.
It stated that the passengers thought they were taken advantage of by large taxi drivers so they should try packing all their bags into a small taxi.
The protest followed the airport’s ban against two drivers of mini-van taxis who collected a flat rate fare on a group of Japanese tourists instead of using meter. The airport took the action after a Bangkok resident Japanese man posted on his Facebook, complaining against the two taxi drivers.
A Faceobook user who uses the name of Nate Aquarius said: “Congratulation for the protest. Passengers always have options and they don’t have to depend on childish taxi drivers”.
Thanet Kanthasob said he totally agreed with the protest because passengers can pay Bt800 for an Airport limousine to get a much better service than that from mini-van taxis, which charge nearly the same rate with the limousine.
Thanarat Sodsup posted that small-sized taxis, whose drivers are unhappy with the use of meters, should also stop taking up passengers at the airport
Apr 26, 2015, 8:37 pm
#443
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Snooky
Posts: 2,508
New 'No Rejection' Taxi Service Rolls Out Today In Bangkok. 'All Thai Taxis' can be called via their app or calling 1624. There's a 20B service fee & the meter starts at 35B...http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/04/2...lls-out-monday .... The guaranteed meter + 20B is a good feature. I usually find that a rejection means that you should be on BTS, MRT, or a motodop unless you have a particular kink for sitting in traffic.
Apr 26, 2015, 10:09 pm
#444
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
^You can get access to a lot more taxis via Easy Taxi or GrabTaxi, using an app, surcharge is 25 THB though.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...assenger&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...easytaxi&hl=en
But any new service is always welcome, esp. one which takes credit and debit cards, but with a target of 500 taxis by August, it might not even make a dent.
I don't think the All Thai Taxi app has been released yet, at least I haven't found it as of today.
I use GrabTaxi very often; maybe 6-7 times per week.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...assenger&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...easytaxi&hl=en
But any new service is always welcome, esp. one which takes credit and debit cards, but with a target of 500 taxis by August, it might not even make a dent.
I don't think the All Thai Taxi app has been released yet, at least I haven't found it as of today.
I use GrabTaxi very often; maybe 6-7 times per week.
Apr 27, 2015, 12:27 pm
#445
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,146
^You can get access to a lot more taxis via Easy Taxi or GrabTaxi, using an app, surcharge is 25 THB though.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...assenger&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...easytaxi&hl=en
But any new service is always welcome, esp. one which takes credit and debit cards, but with a target of 500 taxis by August, it might not even make a dent.
I don't think the All Thai Taxi app has been released yet, at least I haven't found it as of today.
I use GrabTaxi very often; maybe 6-7 times per week.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...assenger&hl=en
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...easytaxi&hl=en
But any new service is always welcome, esp. one which takes credit and debit cards, but with a target of 500 taxis by August, it might not even make a dent.
I don't think the All Thai Taxi app has been released yet, at least I haven't found it as of today.
I use GrabTaxi very often; maybe 6-7 times per week.
I also use GrabTaxi about 6-7 times a week. I generally feel like I have to set tip at about 25 baht to get a quick taxi though, so every fare is +50 = 20 + 5 + 25 but it is still working fine. For short trips of like 45 baht I still go look for a taxi on the street but for longer trips of about 100 baht it is great so far. I like that you can pay cash actually and they always call you before arriving. My experience is 75% speak English but only sample size of about 15 so far... Cheers!
Apr 27, 2015, 8:38 pm
#446
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
I generally feel like I have to set tip at about 25 baht to get a quick taxi though
OK, I've never done that, didn't even know that it is an option. But there are usually 10 - 30 taxis in my area (as shown in the GrabTaxi app/map), and I usually only use GrabTaxi when in areas (housing development, deep in sub-sois, etc) with limited access to passing cabs. If there are passing cabs I just wave one down, and have only had any issue recently originating at the airport.
GrabTaxi cabs are usually newer - with working seatbelts, with younger, more tech-savvy drivers, who seem to drive reasonably. Again that's my limited (~ 125 trips) experience.
OK, I've never done that, didn't even know that it is an option. But there are usually 10 - 30 taxis in my area (as shown in the GrabTaxi app/map), and I usually only use GrabTaxi when in areas (housing development, deep in sub-sois, etc) with limited access to passing cabs. If there are passing cabs I just wave one down, and have only had any issue recently originating at the airport.
GrabTaxi cabs are usually newer - with working seatbelts, with younger, more tech-savvy drivers, who seem to drive reasonably. Again that's my limited (~ 125 trips) experience.
Apr 27, 2015, 11:31 pm
#447
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Siam Paragon publishes Taxi Shame List
Officials take action against Paragon’s rejecting taxi list
Transportation officials took action to suspend two drivers after the Siam Paragon shopping mall made public its own sh*t-list of drivers-who-said-no.
A list of 54 license plates titled “Taxis that rejected passengers - March 2015” displayed outside the shopping mall recently went viral, pushing the Department of Land Transport to announce last night it would punish the two worst offenders with a fine and suspension.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/04/2...ting-taxi-list
DLT Taxi App.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tcheckin&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/th/app/dlt-...964296016?mt=8
And, I saw on Thai forums that GrabTaxi has a stand at Central World.
Officials take action against Paragon’s rejecting taxi list
Transportation officials took action to suspend two drivers after the Siam Paragon shopping mall made public its own sh*t-list of drivers-who-said-no.
A list of 54 license plates titled “Taxis that rejected passengers - March 2015” displayed outside the shopping mall recently went viral, pushing the Department of Land Transport to announce last night it would punish the two worst offenders with a fine and suspension.
http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2015/04/2...ting-taxi-list
DLT Taxi App.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tcheckin&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/th/app/dlt-...964296016?mt=8
And, I saw on Thai forums that GrabTaxi has a stand at Central World.
Apr 27, 2015, 11:46 pm
#448
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
Apr 28, 2015, 1:47 pm
#450
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Programs: DL 1MM Platinum, UA 1k, HH Silver, BonVoy Platinum
Posts: 1,146
I've never flagged down a Grabtaxi on the street by chance. Do they try to get the extra 25 baht?
As for Transpac, I live near Sathorn in a soi that has some taxi traffic but a good 200 meters to Narathiwas, so I used to always walk and grab the passing taxis everytime and that works, but with the heat wave a few weeks back I started Grabtaxi and found it was always a sure thing to get a taxi by adding tip on the screen just before "confirm trip". When it cools off a bit I'll probably walk down again, it's only 50 baht more per trip but ironically feels like it adds up since it is +50% or so of my average taxi fare!
As for Transpac, I live near Sathorn in a soi that has some taxi traffic but a good 200 meters to Narathiwas, so I used to always walk and grab the passing taxis everytime and that works, but with the heat wave a few weeks back I started Grabtaxi and found it was always a sure thing to get a taxi by adding tip on the screen just before "confirm trip". When it cools off a bit I'll probably walk down again, it's only 50 baht more per trip but ironically feels like it adds up since it is +50% or so of my average taxi fare!