I experienced a new (at least to me) scam at the airport the other day.

Apparently the numeric display on the front of the meter can be turned on or off independently of whether the meter is running.

Got into a taxi at BKK through the regular taxi system downstairs. Told the driver SGS, Sheraton Asok. Meter was [appeared to be] off. We started out, but before we even got to the exit gate, I said, "Meter, Meter." He said, "OK" and turned it (the display, as it turned out) on. It read .7 km.!! We still had not yet passed the exit gate for taxis; we were still on that straight stretch of pavement where the taxis park in the center while they wait for you. Uncharacteristically, I threw a little hissy fit; and he restarted the meter without complaint.

I assume that he turned the meter on when he entered the airport? Anyone else experience this one?

And you wonder why I prefer hotel cars or AOT to taxis? Yes, it's more expensive. Can be a lot. But I hate the game, and I don't have to be on alert constantly to see if the driver is going to scam me. IME these taxi scams are much less common going to BKK.