Thanks Phil, taxi fares in Bangkok are indeed extremely cheap – even when you’re getting scammed. But it’s the principle, Phil, the principle! 🙂

To spot it, you should look at the distance, if you know the route, or, watch the time if the taxi is moving steadily, not the baht. You can also use some context to spot it. For instance, the newer meters that spit out the receipt seem like they are always rigged. Some of the older meters require the driver to hit the button twice in order to get the higher rate, so you should watch how the driver hits the button(s) when he starts the meter. That's another clue. Also, sometimes the over-friendly, super-talkative drivers have rigged meters, because they are trying to distract you from noticing the meter. Of course, paying attention means the driver is less likely to try something and less likely to get away with it if he does.

If it's a short ride, then the extra fare might be less than what I would normally tip anyway, so I'll usually let it go. If it's a long ride, I'll get out as soon as possible and take another taxi. I'd rather penalize myself and pay another 35 baht than reward someone for trying to cheat their customers (and if they are going to cheat me, they are going to cheat a lot of other people too). If I can't get out, I'll ask the driver to start the meter over again. Sometimes they can restart it, but running at the correct speed (by hitting the button only once instead of twice). If all else fails, I'll get out and pay the guy what I think the fare should be. If he doesn't like it, I'll tell him to call the police.

In any case, I would strongly urge anyone experiencing this problem to not let it go. It's only partially about the money – it's also about asserting your basic rights and challenging those who try to cheat you. Cheaters have to learn that it can't be too easy for them, otherwise they'll keep doing it. If they are challenged, they'll start to rethink their strategy. Telling the driver he'll be reported is a good idea too, but from my experience, I never got in trouble with the driver for challenging them. The key is to be firm but not too angry; never TOO angry. Keep your cool, but insist you're being screwed and that you damn well know it.

The taxi driver is not at fault but the taxi companies who allow these things to happen as they know they are big shots and are kinda protected by law…even if you complain no action would be taken, however, if the taxi owner is a private individual, action would be taken..more likely…he will not do such acts as he is not protected by the politicians etc..

Best thing to do is to avoid getting into big company taxis that has fleet of taxis in major cities, If you already know the fare from one destination to another…negotiate the price…especially from airport in any countries negotiate the price..