Stricter fines instead of higher taxi fares
Instead of an increase in taxi fares, the fines for taxi drivers will increase sharply because they still do not comply with the rules.
Taxi drivers say they don't earn enough to make ends meet. In order to improve this situation somewhat, it was agreed in 2014 that taxi fares would gradually increase. A further 5 percent increase in taxi fares planned for this year has been postponed again. This is because the complaints about drivers who do not want to turn on the meter or refuse passengers continue. Part of the agreement was that taxi drivers would behave according to the rules.
The Ministry of Transport is now taking a different approach. The fines for taxi drivers who violate the rules will rise sharply from 1.000 baht to 10.000 baht. The fines also apply to the companies that lease taxis. They can be fined up to 50.000 baht if the drivers go wrong.
The ministry also wants to end unregistered taxis with a black license plate. The drivers risk a fine and a prison sentence of two years. In addition, the government wants taxis to no longer be registered in the name of the driver, but of a company or cooperative.
The starting fee at the airport of 50 baht will probably not be increased to 100 baht. The ministry thinks the increase, in addition to the 5 percent rate increase, is too sharp. An increase is possible, but less high.
Source: Bangkok Post
Glad to read that the government is now going to address this.
It is downright annoying that you have to hail 5 taxis before one is willing to take you and turn on the meter.
If I understand correctly, the 5% increase will take effect in mid-April, after Song Kran.
Increasing the fines at the same time seems to me more an attempt not to let the good suffer from the bad, which is a commendable aim.
And for those who think 13% in two years is a very hefty price increase, it might be useful to mention that the taxi fares have never been increased in the twenty (!) years prior to this.
The refusal is back again.
Last week at 20.00 pm at Robinson (Taksin bridge) to Lak-Si, many (free) taxis but none wanted to take us. Finally took the BTS to Mo Chit and from there a taxi to Lak-Si, this was no problem at all.
Coincidentally, I was waiting for the bus at Bic-C, Chiang Watthana Road (Soi 14) yesterday, also here were many taxis that people refused.
They refuse people and then stand 100 meters further (and hold up the traffic) and wait for a load that they like.
Agree whether hefty fines or simply not driving for a few months,
Ha. Ha. Ha. don't drive in Thailand, that doesn't work.
Yeah, especially that thing with that meter. You can never dive into a taxi carefree and drive away, you always have to be careful. But I think it went better last time. Going in the right direction. In addition, the taxi price could be slightly higher in my opinion, it is not a fat pot for those drivers.
Will they also pay attention to it on Samui, I'll be curious. There is not a single taxi to be found on Samui
turns on his meter and this despite a starting rate of 100 Bath. There are signs at Samui airport
with Taxi rates, among others, to Lamai 800, B and Lamai south 900, - B respectively 12 and 13 km, these are almost
Dutch prices. If you compare this to Bangkok eg Sukhomvit to Suvarnabhumi 32km for
320,- B + 70,-B for the highway, but you can of course not include the latter.
Things had gone well for a while. But we are now back to square one.
Hailing a taxi is not only a Thai for the foreigner, but also for the Thai. Even if you screen with the number to pass on, they don't care.
in some cases they refuse the meter, get out and take another one.
But it also happens that the meter does not work correctly. (I think they can manipulate this. For the same route, sometimes a difference of 100 baht.
This is not in the hustle and bustle.,
Tackling the tuktuks is also a necessary thing.
Again, there are good and less good drivers in between. The amounts can vary with huge differences.
The motor bike drivers have posted signs in most places that indicate the prices. So you can easily get off here without discussion.
A taxi day off? if all foreigners leave the taxi for a day or 2 days and make this known, the problem will soon be over.
After all, in bangkok they depend on the tourists.
I'm curious. Just after the current government started I read similar stories on Thailandblog. Even the Tuktuks weren't allowed to ask too much etc etc. When I read the stories here lately, not every taxi driver adheres to these instructions. In Bangkok it usually goes fine to get them on the meter. From the airport it is more difficult. Then the Skytrain or with an airline that provides a taxi to your hotel in Bangkok.
In Bangkok there is GRABTAXI just like UBER, great service!
On "my" island only motorcycle with sidecar, 50 Baht pp anywhere.