Taxis registered in Bangkok are now allowed to operate outside seven provinces without using the taximeter.
Chirute Visalachitra, director-general of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), says the measure, which was published in the Royal Gazette, will apply to taxi windows outside Bangkok and the provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Samut Sakon and Nakhon Pathom.
According to the DLT, taxi drivers and passengers traveling to or between destinations, with the exception of the 7 provinces mentioned, can negotiate the cost instead of using the meter.
Chirute said that when traveling between provinces, many drivers and passengers prefer to negotiate fares rather than use meters because it allows them to save more money. However, he clarifies that the vehicles still need to be fitted with electronic meters for passengers who prefer this method of fare calculation.
DLT officials say the relaxation is intended to improve the competitiveness of conventional taxis, following the legalization of the use of private cars for taxi services.
The new fare type was announced on 10 June in the Royal Gazette and will come into effect on 11 June.
Source: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand