Okay, you make it sound as if I didn't bother reading this thread before I used a taxi (which I did). A few points:

The thread is some 11 pages long. Too long for most people to read completely. The most recent information (read: usually the most reliable) indicated that use of meter was automatic. I still think the single most important point for anyone (assuming of course they've found the taxi rank) is to ask for the meter to be turned on. You mention "meter" in three of your six points, which certainly calls attention to the importance of it. Even if I hadn't had a porter leading me around, I think it wouldn't be hard to find the taxis - they're right outside of the baggage claim area.

Of course, it's not a big deal - I was only overcharged by roughly 100-150 Baht, which is $3-$4.50. :p

Thanks for the clarification on pronunciation - that will no doubt be helpful to any others staying at the Conrad. I was also told later that I could just say "US Embassy" to get them in the right general area. :)

I guess you'll be more aware of BKK's taxi mafia ways next time. Not sure about anyone assuring you that use of the meter would be "automatic" (this is Thailand for heavens sake). Nothing is "automatic" here.

As for Transpac, if you're going to criticize me for replying to a poster, then please aslo note what this poster has said.

Thank you.

I do not think you were over-charged given the itinerary you describe (three wrong hotels, an entertainment area). I bet the fare would have been higher with the meter. :D Good thing the tailor shops and gem shops were closed! :p

I agree that this thread is pretty worthless re: actually advising first-time arriving passengers about getting a taxi. And it's far from "definitive". Any relevant details are lost in the "experiences", and it's in the wrong forum. Not sure who the Mod. is so cannot ask anyone why it even got pinned.

I honestly don't care whether you read the entire thread; you finished your journey and made pretty much all the mistakes one could. I merely wanted to highlight the steps for future travelers so that they might get a taxi to their location for a reasonable fare.

Isn't the mod "Kiwi Flyer"?

Not of this forum, "Senior Mods" have the ability to make adjustments to any forums.......
so it was probably one of them!

Train circa 2011... ;)
 

What can I say that hasn't already been stated. Clearing immigration can be a hassle even when there are employees at every booth. Hey, they charge alot for overstays and they will get you. I haven't landed at Suvarnaphum since mid Dec (I love Don Muang... thanks TG) but I got the 400/500 Baht shin-dig then. The guy even drove me by the taxi car park. My response was I know where I'm going, we take the meter (it was already on) and if you make any other long way round I'm getting out. This usually works, as has been stated ad infinitum.

The taxi stands typically try to charge 450+ Baht. Knowing some Thai makes this hassle disappear very quickly.

The train, ah yes, are they even working on that?

I'll be revisiting Suvarnaphum soon. It's always fun. Always an adventure.

Trips to Samsen usually cost 225 on the meter. DMK is 125.

And one think that hasn't been mentioned here about taxis but my girlfriend (khon Thai) says all the time: Taxis only stop for farang. So for all the griping etc most don't realize what a difficult time locals can have in even getting a cab in certain areas. You can't scam someone who knows what the price should be.

Side note. The meter taxis outside arrivals are back to the old DMK-style shouldn't-be-on-the-road crappy old taxis with boots (trunks) tied together with bits of old rope.

As the airport has taken this backward step, it's time to re-enact the great "pick up a cap from departures" routine.

Seriously, the sh*ttiest cabs are waiting for you - refuse to take them.

Too bad you didn't pay more attention to this thread. Always ask for the meter to be turned on. To do otherwise only invites them to rip you off. I'd also have a printout of your reservation.

True, but have you noticed that more and more taxi drivers don't speak standard Bangkok Thai? Instead, with the ranks swelling from the influx from the northeast, I hear a more Issan dialects these days than ever before.

Way back when, I once got frustrated because the cab driver couldn't understand simple instructions. All I knew what was spoken in and around Bangkok. Guessing that the driver was essentially from somewhere up north, I used the little Lao I knew at the time and... he understood me! The funny thing was, I never considered trying English... he might have understood that too... and charged me B500!

Absolutely many are from Issan, one of the reasons they tend not to know Bangkok well!!! As my gf is Issan it's not too much of a problem with me. My Thai, Issan and Lao are all about equal.... although meager at best.

A recent article (below) indicated that express service, SBIA-Makasan might start April, 2009. Note that it might be cheaper to take a taxi.

Had two arrivals past week, used the taxi queue, no issues, taxis looked quite new to me.

Suvarnabhumi Airport railway link set to open early next year

BANGKOK: -- The long-delayed Suvarnabhumi airport railway link project is expected to be completed by the end of this year and to open for service early next year, according to the project manager.

Speaking after leading a media tour to observe construction progress, Banjongsak Panthon, project manager and engineer, said the civil engineering portions of the airport railway link project is some 78.5 per cent complete and that the electrical and mechanical portions are about 80 per cent ready.

He said there is much progress in the construction of the station and railway system, with Tub Chang Station set to become the first to be completed in July. Now, it is 60 per cent complete.

"I believe the entire project will be finished by the end of the year. Then, the project administrator will bring 31 electric locomotives, which are being built in Germany, to be tested for three months before opening for service to the public," Mr. Banjongsak said.

--TNA 2008-03-28

I arrived DMK (from KKC) today. The taxi situation there is quite organized. The signs (left over from before the new BKK opened) at the dispatch booth (in English) clearly indicate that you have to pay 50 baht for the airport fee (to the driver at the conclusion of your trip), you are responsible for tolls and that all taxis will use the meter. Queues were ~ 7 deep in two lines when I arrived, and they had to call for more taxis to be dispatched from the holding area, ao ~ 5 minutes waiting. No issues or problems whatsoever. Driver helped with bags, turned on the meter, even took a little known short-cut (via an alley-way) to my home. Three thumbs up.

Landed at DMK on April 17, about 9AM. Taxi lines were 30m long. Didn't attempt walking up to departures as we thought it would be a similar situation. Walked out to the street and within 20 min was in a cab, metered and moving along. No surcharge, no hassle, but damn hot waiting for the cab with our name on it!!!!

This morning (april 19) grabbed a taxi from Samsen to Suvarnaphum at 7:00AM: arrived 27 min and 213 Baht later on surface roads (and 140+kpm). Love when Bangkok is empty because of Songkran.

This seems to be wrong information, at least as of 5 days ago when I arrived. We followed this information and went down on the conveyors, only to find that there are no taxis there at all. Going back UP one level, to the same level as the arrivals hall, there were taxis right outside the door.

Perhaps they have moved, or perhaps this was because we were on a domestic arrival from HKT. Maybe the international arrivals baggage hall is up one level, thus the advice to go down? In any event, do not go down to the lowest level.

Oh dear, this can be the problem with pinned posts, it was started on 17 June 2007. Since 1 October 2007 the taxis are on the same floor as arrivals, floor 2. Same floor as both domestic and international arrivals. Best not to just take the first post in one that has been running for getting on for a year now.