Good post Schmeen I agree completely. BKK taxis are pretty awesome compared to the crap you get in pattaya and phuket with tuk-tuks. Like you say the only "problems" are refusals for traffic/to far reasons which is fair enough really, if the route is depriving them of better earnings of course they're going to be reluctant. Easily remedied by a few extra baht off-meter or just trying the next one.
One funny experience I had one time was coming back from the croc farm, it was 5 pm so with the traffic, distance and the tolls I had to negotiate for that one. The taxi rank outside were all fairly young guys apart from one really old geezer in this banged-up POS of a taxi. I showed one of the drivers the hotel card/map and he seemed to have some idea at least, he called a few of the others over to check and lots of nods etc so I was happy we were clear on the location. Open the door to get in...the old guy has now got out and arrived over here having seen the little crowd that had formed. He's got the map from the driver, I couldn't understand the words being said but it was pretty obvious he was big-shotting it.."oh yeah I know where that is blah blah blah". The thai face/respect for elders thing must have kicked in...all the young guys kinda just listened and exchanged glances with each other while he went on waving direction signs in the air
.
So I end up going back with grandad...who proceeds to get completely lost! He has to stop to ask directions...twice. We finally get into an area I recognise and am able to wave him to the correct turns. Just as we're getting into the home stretch he makes another stop...I'm thinking what the f*ck...he gets out, talks to a passer by and fast-walks off. Judging by the explanation gestures he was making when he came back he either just went for the fastest ST ever or desperately needed a piss 55555.
GLAD to be off the meter for that trip
