New fee structures for Bangkok cabs have taken effect, however the Department of Land Transport (DLT) states that taxi meters must be examined and recalibrated before the new charges can be implemented.
The revised prices were announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. 40 baht is now the minimum fare for big taxis with up to seven seats. The base fare for standard taxis remains at 35 Thai Baht.
The DLT stated that the revised tariffs cannot be enforced until the examination and recalibration of the fare meters placed in approximately 70,000 Bangkok taxis registered for service.
The drivers must contact the manufacturer of their fare meters to acquire the necessary recalibration, and then deliver the recalibrated device to the DLT’s Area 5 office in Bangkok for examination. To collect the new fares, only fare meters that pass the examination and are legally sealed with lead may be utilized.
The DLT will expedite this procedure by offering taxi drivers at Bangkok’s Bang Sue Grand Station one-stop calibration and inspection services. This service will be available from January 16 to February 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
