Originally Posted by
tide
Took cab from departures BKK to just after junction of Param9 and Ratchada. 189B at around 21+ km (which I assume is what is displayed at top right hand corner of meter). No toll roads needed at 12am.
You don't need to speak Thai (although I do) to grab a cab at departures - walk out purposefully, make eye contact, say "meter", get a reply in the affirmative and in you go. You do need to know directions if not a well-known destination though.
The drivers love picking up an outbound fare at departures, that way they get paid both ways.
Many taxi drivers are rice farmers from Isan, working on the side before and after the rice growing season. The last driver I chatted with told me that he rents a cab for 1,000 baht per 12 hour shift.