just an update, the taxi scam from the conrad bangkok to the airport continues.

left the conrad yesterday to bkk. this time, had the bellman ask the driver for the meter before putting in our belongings. driver agreed. husband also confirmed with the cabbie that the meter would be used.

all our suitcases in the car, we get in the car, close door, car starts to roll, hubby says 'meter?' and cabbie points to a laminated sheet (AGAIN!!!! ) attached to the back of his seat with a list of fares.

"NO!" we shout simultaneously, and again i open the door (same as before, not a busy street, just the drive-around by the conrad). guess this guy figured we meant business and didn't bother with the 'my friend will take you' bs, he just flicked on the meter. he did honk while driving by a bunch of cabs (the 'my friend will take you' cabs from the previous story). we laughed as we drove by.

he did give us some story about the new airport, different from the old one, whatever, wah wah wah, but i was too annoyed to really listen. look, dude, you agreed to the meter, run the meter. sheesh.

anyway, at this point i'm hoping this means the conrad bellman is not in on it, since i did hear him check w/the cabbie in thai about running the meter, but i'm considering writing a letter to the hotel anyway. it's the last thing that happens to you in thailand, you don't want to be left wondering if the hotel is in on it.