Travelers using Chatuchak Bus Terminal cautioned against taxi drivers demanding extra fees

[reader]

From National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT)

The Transport Co. has issued an alert for travelers using the Chatuchak Bus Terminus, cautioning them against taxi drivers at the terminal demanding unauthorized extra fees. The warning comes in response to reports of taxi drivers at Mo Chit 2, a key terminal for buses to Thailand’s Northern and Northeastern provinces, imposing a 50-baht surcharge on passengers.

In an effort to manage this situation, the Transport Co., since March 1, has adjusted its operations, directing all interprovincial buses to utilize the departure area for passenger drop-offs. The company affirmed it does not endorse any additional charges by taxi drivers, urging passengers forced to pay the extra fees to report the incidents to the Department of Land Transport at 1584.

To further protect travelers from falling victim to these predatory practices, the company advises passengers to proceed to the official taxi stand located near Exit 4 of the terminal to ensure fair-priced transportation options upon their arrival.

For additional convenience, the Transport Co. has also introduced a shuttle bus service connecting the bus terminal to the Mo Chit BTS station, operating from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. The service provides an alternative means of transportation for passengers during the early hours. Travelers also have the option of using public buses from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority terminal, positioned just south of the Chatuchak Bus Terminus. (NNT)

 

[vinapu]

that's worldwide phenomena that taxi drivers on point of entry are trying to fleece newcomers , both foreign and compatriots

[unicorn]

On 3/3/2024 at 7:37 PM, reader said:

...The company affirmed it does not endorse any additional charges by taxi drivers, urging passengers forced to pay the extra fees to report the incidents to the Department of Land Transport at 1584...

Well, if authorities were serious about stopping the practice, the way to do it is not to try to burden foreign passengers by asking them to fill forms in the hope someone will do something about it after they've left the country sometime. The way to do it is to hire undercover cops and arrest those who overcharge, fine them, and suspend their licences by a month for the first offense, much longer for 2nd offenses. Word will get around. Not that complicated. 

[reader]

Agree, not complicated.

But TIT.

[vinapu]

2 hours ago, unicorn said:

Well, if authorities were serious about stopping the practice, the way to do it is not to try to burden foreign passengers by asking them to fill forms

I don't think scam is  only limited to foreign travellers. most likely majority of victims will be people from provinces visiting and not knowing local fares

[unicorn]

2 hours ago, vinapu said:

I don't think scam is  only limited to foreign travellers. most likely majority of victims will be people from provinces visiting and not knowing local fares

That doesn't matter. The local authorities could choose to stop these fraudulent practices and choose not to do so, I would have to guess because it benefits the local economy at the expense of tourists. This reminds me of the rampant car break-ins on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. The island has wonderful shore diving opportunities, which are ruined due to the near-certainty that any vehicle parked for this purpose will be broken into. Again, local authorities could easily set up police stings, but choose not to. There are probably only a few bad apples. They'd be easy enough to catch (and are probably well-known to the local police in any case).