Bangkok’s taxis are back in the spotlight — for all the wrong reasons. As Thailand works to rebuild its tourism industry, a familiar problem is re-emerging: rigged fares, dodgy routes, and drivers refusing to use meters. It might seem like a small thing, but for many visitors, it’s their first and last impression of the country.
A recent report by the Mastercard Economics Institute named Bangkok one of the worst cities in the world for tourist scams, with nearly half of the cases involving taxis or rental cars. It’s a reputation that’s hard to shake — and harder to fix.
“Why does every ride feel like a negotiation?”
That’s a common refrain from frustrated tourists on travel forums and review sites. Complaints range from drivers ignoring meters, quoting flat fares far above market rates, or even detouring through traffic-heavy routes to stretch the meter.
One Chinese traveler, who posted about her experience on Xiaohongshu, said she was quoted 800 baht for a short ride from Siam Paragon to her hotel in Sukhumvit — nearly triple the usual fare. “I expected tuk-tuks to be chaotic,” she wrote. “But I didn’t think licensed taxis would be worse.”
The problem isn’t new, but it’s become more visible — and in the age of instant reviews and digital word-of-mouth, every bad experience sticks.
Ride-hailing apps offer relief — and fuel the fire
Many visitors now avoid the hassle altogether by using ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, which offer fixed prices and the comfort of not having to argue over fare. But this shift has cut into the earnings of traditional taxi drivers, who say they’re being pushed out of the market.
In response, taxi groups have staged protests and threatened drastic action. Earlier this month, drivers rallied in Bangkok and warned they would blockade entrances to Suvarnabhumi Airport unless the government stepped in to curb ride-hailing services.
“If no one protects our jobs, we’ll take matters into our own hands,” one protest leader told local reporters. Authorities responded quickly, warning that any disruption at the airport would lead to legal action.
As Bangkok streets swell with traffic, the city’s ongoing taxi dispute adds fuel to an already congested system — with frustrated drivers and wary tourists caught in the gridlock
Officials promise reforms — but patience is wearing thin
The Department of Land Transport has said it’s working on better enforcement, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand admitted that poor taxi experiences are “damaging the country’s image.” But beyond a few public statements, there’s been little visible change.
Meanwhile, travelers are voting with their feet — and their apps. Some longtime visitors are skipping Thailand altogether, opting for neighboring countries like Vietnam or Malaysia, where transport systems are seen as more tourist-friendly.
Why this matters
Tourism isn’t just a bonus for Thailand — it’s one of the country’s economic lifelines. If first impressions keep turning sour, and stories of taxi scams keep trending online, the fallout could hit harder than many expect.
The solution isn’t complicated: enforce the rules, make pricing transparent, and hold bad actors accountable. Until then, tourists will keep sharing the same advice: take a Grab, or take your holiday somewhere else.
