Comments on: The economics of Taxi Hell http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/ drink and blog Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:28:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: The sandman http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-207096 The sandman Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:49:34 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-207096 Oh I forgot to add I think the motor bike boys (and women too) might use speed but generally are organised and regulated in some way. Oh I forgot to add I think the motor bike boys (and women too) might use speed but generally are organised and regulated in some way.
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]]> By: The sandman http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-207095 The sandman Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:47:47 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-207095 I remember when taxi metres were first introduced. Before that it was a real nightmare. I rarely have a hassle with them these days but if i did would just get out and talk about the 'tourist police' in a loud voice. However Phuket is a nightmare for taxis and tuk tuks who charge hundreds or more for a journey that would cost you ten baht in Pattaya and of the reasons I hate Phuket and will not go there again........I use the motor bike boys in BKK but ask them to drive slowly but with the new sky train I do not need to use them as much. I have never had a problem with them but do not use them in wet weather. I remember when taxi metres were first introduced. Before that it was a real nightmare. I rarely have a hassle with them these days but if i did would just get out and talk about the ‘tourist police’ in a loud voice. However Phuket is a nightmare for taxis and tuk tuks who charge hundreds or more for a journey that would cost you ten baht in Pattaya and of the reasons I hate Phuket and will not go there again……..I use the motor bike boys in BKK but ask them to drive slowly but with the new sky train I do not need to use them as much. I have never had a problem with them but do not use them in wet weather.
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]]> By: Crocodile http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-12341 Crocodile Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:02:31 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-12341 Oddly, on all my trips to Bangkok (probably a year total time), I never had a taxi driver refuse to use a meter or pull any other scam. The worst that ever happened is that they didn't want to go where I needed to (I always ask before getting in the car). Normally, the cabbies are very professional and patient with my crappy Thai when going to visit a new TGF on her small soi ("leo sai, oh no, it's the second one to leo hwa, ah, I have no idea, it's somewhere off PrachaSongKroh... yah, near the 7-11"). On two occasions, taxi drivers have given me a lower fare off the meter. Both times, I had only a 1k note (and 20-40 baht in small coins), and they had not change. I insisted on going to a 7-11 to exchange the money, but they just took whatever change I had (about half the meter fare), and said "mai bpen rai". Once I changed the 1k and then ran after a taxi to give him the correct fare :) Oddly, on all my trips to Bangkok (probably a year total time), I never had a taxi driver refuse to use a meter or pull any other scam. The worst that ever happened is that they didn’t want to go where I needed to (I always ask before getting in the car).

Normally, the cabbies are very professional and patient with my crappy Thai when going to visit a new TGF on her small soi (“leo sai, oh no, it’s the second one to leo hwa, ah, I have no idea, it’s somewhere off PrachaSongKroh… yah, near the 7-11″).

On two occasions, taxi drivers have given me a lower fare off the meter. Both times, I had only a 1k note (and 20-40 baht in small coins), and they had not change. I insisted on going to a 7-11 to exchange the money, but they just took whatever change I had (about half the meter fare), and said “mai bpen rai”. Once I changed the 1k and then ran after a taxi to give him the correct fare :)
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]]> By: Blog Meetup at the Duke at The FARANG Speaks 2 Much http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11691 Blog Meetup at the Duke at The FARANG Speaks 2 Much Sun, 15 Jul 2007 06:06:24 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11691 [...] once a month, hangovers permitting, but will alternate between the Duke and the Mango given the taxi situation in Bangkok. Related Posts from the [...] [...] once a month, hangovers permitting, but will alternate between the Duke and the Mango given the taxi situation in Bangkok. Related Posts from the [...]
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]]> By: werewolf http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11346 werewolf Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:02:13 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11346 Generally I find taxi drivers cool as long as they are moving and not standing waiting for customers. The touts who stand and try to solicit rides are leeches. If a driver won't use the meter, just get out of the taxi and get the next one. I find that many enjoy practicing English if they know any. Tuk tuk drivers are the scum of the earth. I always enjoy the motocycle guys... they're sometimes a little drunk or high, and are a pretty mellow bunch for the most part. (Safety is another issue entirely) I've always found them helpful if I'm walking looking for a place and can't find it -- just ask the motorcy guys and they're happy to give directions. They'll tell you honestly if its too far to walk, and offer a ride. One of the best nights I have ever enjoyed in THailand was on Soi 22, coming out of Titanium around midnight. The all girl band was doing whiskey shots at the little Thai whiskey stand in the alley. I went over to chat to the girls in the band. After the girls left, I hung around with three Thai guys who were all motorcycle drivers. One of them owned the whiskey stand, which had the usual assortment of whiskey, including one with a Tiger penis inside. Shots were 10 baht each, and I dropped about 200 baht buying shots for the guys and talking with them in Thai until 2 am. One of the security guys from Titanium joined us for a few shots, and then came back with a cold Heineken from the club for me. I reckon it's always a good idea to get to know the motorcy drivers near my condo... they are generally helpful, and if you speak to them every day, they will help keep you informed about what's up in the neighborhood. I lived for many years in Washington DC where most taxi drivers are from India, Pakistan, Russia, Africa or South America, usually know NOTHING about streets or locations in DC or surrounds, and invariably don't speak English. By comparison, the Issaan boys driving Bangkok taxis who are learning their way around town seem to be a dream come true. At least they can speak the language of the coutry. Generally I find taxi drivers cool as long as they are moving and not standing waiting for customers. The touts who stand and try to solicit rides are leeches. If a driver won’t use the meter, just get out of the taxi and get the next one. I find that many enjoy practicing English if they know any.

Tuk tuk drivers are the scum of the earth.

I always enjoy the motocycle guys… they’re sometimes a little drunk or high, and are a pretty mellow bunch for the most part. (Safety is another issue entirely)

I’ve always found them helpful if I’m walking looking for a place and can’t find it — just ask the motorcy guys and they’re happy to give directions. They’ll tell you honestly if its too far to walk, and offer a ride.

One of the best nights I have ever enjoyed in THailand was on Soi 22, coming out of Titanium around midnight. The all girl band was doing whiskey shots at the little Thai whiskey stand in the alley. I went over to chat to the girls in the band. After the girls left, I hung around with three Thai guys who were all motorcycle drivers. One of them owned the whiskey stand, which had the usual assortment of whiskey, including one with a Tiger penis inside.

Shots were 10 baht each, and I dropped about 200 baht buying shots for the guys and talking with them in Thai until 2 am. One of the security guys from Titanium joined us for a few shots, and then came back with a cold Heineken from the club for me.

I reckon it’s always a good idea to get to know the motorcy drivers near my condo… they are generally helpful, and if you speak to them every day, they will help keep you informed about what’s up in the neighborhood.

I lived for many years in Washington DC where most taxi drivers are from India, Pakistan, Russia, Africa or South America, usually know NOTHING about streets or locations in DC or surrounds, and invariably don’t speak English. By comparison, the Issaan boys driving Bangkok taxis who are learning their way around town seem to be a dream come true. At least they can speak the language of the coutry.
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]]> By: Combover http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11302 Combover Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:56:01 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11302 CL, I'm not sure exactly, but his finance charges are the major element. I would estimate 10-15,000 baht a month. LPG is a third of the price of petrol and it's a new car so maintenance costs are low. He seems to be doing OK. Well enough to support his wife and two kids in Bangkok and send a bit of money back home. CL, I’m not sure exactly, but his finance charges are the major element. I would estimate 10-15,000 baht a month. LPG is a third of the price of petrol and it’s a new car so maintenance costs are low. He seems to be doing OK. Well enough to support his wife and two kids in Bangkok and send a bit of money back home.
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]]> By: z http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11280 z Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:00:48 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11280 Classic taxi ride from Dule to the Mango. Found a Mickey Mouse cuddly toy in the back of the taxi with boz-eyes & a fag burn near his left ear. Paid 100 Baht for him & renamed him Mickey Mao (Mickey Drunk). Now living on Soi Song(2), to be re-housed & looked after on Soi 14. Anything to look after a poor american icon!!!! Classic taxi ride from Dule to the Mango. Found a Mickey Mouse cuddly toy in the back of the taxi with boz-eyes & a fag burn near his left ear. Paid 100 Baht for him & renamed him Mickey Mao (Mickey Drunk). Now living on Soi Song(2), to be re-housed & looked after on Soi 14. Anything to look after a poor american icon!!!!
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]]> By: ssb http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11261 ssb Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:14:14 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11261 CL - I would agree that with inflation, price of fuel and so on that they need to raise them. If not the initial drop but at least the price as the meter starts rolling. At the same time I think they need to monitor the taxis more and maybe set the bar a little higher for getting a license. CL – I would agree that with inflation, price of fuel and so on that they need to raise them. If not the initial drop but at least the price as the meter starts rolling. At the same time I think they need to monitor the taxis more and maybe set the bar a little higher for getting a license.
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]]> By: Christoffer Larsson http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11257 Christoffer Larsson Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:37:38 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11257 When I came to Bangkok for the first time in 1992, the rates of taxi meters were identical to now. I think it is time to raise it a bit, and that would solve a lot of problems. Taxi rides in Beijing and Shanghai are now double compared to Bangkok, and the quality of taxis are still higher in Bangkok. Do anyone know other cities where cab rides are as cheap as in Bangkok Cambover - You say he makes 30.000B before costs. How much does he make after costs? When I came to Bangkok for the first time in 1992, the rates of taxi meters were identical to now. I think it is time to raise it a bit, and that would solve a lot of problems.

Taxi rides in Beijing and Shanghai are now double compared to Bangkok, and the quality of taxis are still higher in Bangkok.

Do anyone know other cities where cab rides are as cheap as in Bangkok

Cambover – You say he makes 30.000B before costs. How much does he make after costs?
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]]> By: Cabby http://www.bigmangobar.com/blog/reader-submissions/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11194 Cabby Sun, 08 Jul 2007 09:30:58 +0000 http://www.bigmangobar.com/2007/06/29/the-economics-of-taxi-hell/#comment-11194 The taxi color scheme seems to be significant, with different color schemes run by different companies. A Thai friend refuses to take the solid orange ones now, as she always has trouble. She never has trouble with the solid blues though (and in hindsight, that seems true). The taxi color scheme seems to be significant, with different color schemes run by different companies. A Thai friend refuses to take the solid orange ones now, as she always has trouble. She never has trouble with the solid blues though (and in hindsight, that seems true).
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