When no fixed price exists I usually have the cab turn around and demand to go back to the hotel both in BKK and MNL if they refuse to turn on meter. In both places its 35% of times they either don't turn on the meter or they will go back to hotel. If they go back to hotel, they usually get an earful from the Bell Staff at New World Manila or Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. I agree its very irritating behavior and in both locations they should allow higher fares on the meters.