Originally Posted by
Kalboz
It suits him well ... the taxi driver should have used the meter just like he agreed to do so when he assumed this job. Bangkok taxis operate on a meter system with fares regulated by Thailand's Department of Land Transport.
Yup. And the drivers nonetheless attempt fairly often to charge farangs a flat fee of THB 500 (which is often very close to the actual fare plus a generous tip).
If a passenger feels strongly about the meter, he/she should request that it be turned on immediately upon departure. I personally have stopped arguing with drivers about this, I really don't mind paying 500 baht for a forty minute ride.