And what a pleasant experience I just had. Got into a taxi at 0530 at Aloft. Both doorman and I specified meter. As we drove up Soi 11, the driver tried to turn the meter on, but it went completely dead. Dark. Once we got to Suk, he turned left and stopped by another taxi. He apparently explained the situation to the other driver, and loaded me and my bags into the second taxi. I started to hand the new driver money for the expressway tolls; but he said that it wouldn't be necessary at that hour.

Sure enough, got to BKK quickly, and with only 195 showing on the meter. Gave him a very good tip.