Shakakoz
28-03-08, 11:49 AM
Hi there,
I was watching the news last night, and they had an interesting bit on the local taxi situation. Many of us have encountered difficulties with taxis - either they don't want to use the meter (it's "broken"), or the simply don't want to take you where you want to go because it's too far, or there's a traffic jam, etc. The news program actually showed how many taxis were more willing to take a Farang, since he was more likely to pay more, or could be lured to a shop, or whatever. This is very frustrating for Thai people, naturally. I believe the news program was beneficial to educating people about what is going on.
Not all taxis are evil, but it only takes a few to present a bad image to your country.
Also, a friend of mine was visiting the Kingdom last week, so I took her to visit The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Of course, there are many taxi/tuk tuk drivers around the temples, and they all told me that they were closed due to the princess passing away recently. Of course, I didn't believe them, and insisted on checking for myself - and of course they were lying. I realize this sort of thing goes on all the time, but the touts seemed especially militant, and any casual visitor (like my friend) would have assumed that they were telling the truth.
The Dusit Throne Hall (I think) actually was closed to non-Thais, since that is where the Princess is lying in state. This is only a very small part that is off limits though. I understand and respect the desire of Thai people to mourn in private. But again, the taxis/tuk tuk drivers are not helping your country by lying to tourists.
- Martin:mad:
I was watching the news last night, and they had an interesting bit on the local taxi situation. Many of us have encountered difficulties with taxis - either they don't want to use the meter (it's "broken"), or the simply don't want to take you where you want to go because it's too far, or there's a traffic jam, etc. The news program actually showed how many taxis were more willing to take a Farang, since he was more likely to pay more, or could be lured to a shop, or whatever. This is very frustrating for Thai people, naturally. I believe the news program was beneficial to educating people about what is going on.
Not all taxis are evil, but it only takes a few to present a bad image to your country.
Also, a friend of mine was visiting the Kingdom last week, so I took her to visit The Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Of course, there are many taxi/tuk tuk drivers around the temples, and they all told me that they were closed due to the princess passing away recently. Of course, I didn't believe them, and insisted on checking for myself - and of course they were lying. I realize this sort of thing goes on all the time, but the touts seemed especially militant, and any casual visitor (like my friend) would have assumed that they were telling the truth.
The Dusit Throne Hall (I think) actually was closed to non-Thais, since that is where the Princess is lying in state. This is only a very small part that is off limits though. I understand and respect the desire of Thai people to mourn in private. But again, the taxis/tuk tuk drivers are not helping your country by lying to tourists.
- Martin:mad: