Taxis in The Land of Smiles: Long Noses Often Pay Extra
Confessions of a Sweaty Farang in a Thai Taxi – Bangkok Edition (with a Side of Upcountry Madness) Let’s talk about taxis in Thailand, specifically Bangkok, the Land of Smiles and Slightly Terrifying Driving. Getting a taxi here isn’t just transportation. It’s a social experiment, a mental workout, and sometimes, a high-stakes game of Will He Turn On the Meter ? You land in Suvarnabhumi Airport, dehydrated and confused, holding your phone like a digital compass. You go to the official taxi rank, get a queue ticket and soon a metered taxi shows up. You pay an acceptable 50 baht airport surcharge, plus tolls of course (if applicable). All in all, pretty decent and affordable. You smile. You love Thai taxis. You even give a generous tip. Everyone's happy. After being dropped at your hotel, you try to repeat that blissful experience. You spot a bright pink taxi and think, “Ah, modernity!” You slide in, say “ Sawasdee krub , to Siam Square, please.” The driver replies "400 baht....