“It’s not about the distance — it’s the attitude”: A viral complaint about a Don Mueang Airport taxi has reignited public frustration with Thailand’s airport taxi service quality. (File Photo) PATTAYA, Thailand – Amid growing tensions between traditional taxi operators and ride-hailing apps at Thailand’s major airports, a recent viral post by the popular Facebook page “Aei Chong” has shed light on a disappointing experience with a taxi at Don Mueang Airport. The post, published on May 25, emphasized that the real issue lies not in trip distance but in the service attitude of drivers, which can deeply affect passenger trust and overall experience. The backdrop to this complaint is the ongoing pressure from traditional taxi groups, such as the Association of Professional Public Taxi Drivers, led by Woraphon Kaemkhuntod. The group has been calling on the government to ban app-based drivers from operating within Suvarnabhumi Airport’s premises, even threatening to escalate the issue by blocking airport entrances if their demands are ignored. However, this particular case involves Don Mueang Airport. The complainant described taking a registered airport taxi after landing and acknowledging the additional 50-baht service fee — a standard charge for airport pickups. The destination was a relatively short trip to the Thai PBS station. Once inside the vehicle, the driver immediately began expressing frustration, stating he had waited 4 to 5 hours for passengers, only to be assigned a short fare. This made the passenger feel unwelcome and uncomfortable right from the start. The situation worsened when the driver deliberately drove past the correct drop-off point without any prior communication. When the passenger noticed the mistake and spoke up, the driver stopped and casually remarked, “Just walk in from here.” This raised suspicion that the driver may have intentionally overshot the destination to increase the fare, especially considering that making a U-turn to return would have added significant distance. The passenger originally intended to tip the driver, understanding the fatigue and challenges of the job. However, the poor attitude and dismissive behavior led them to reconsider, and only a small tip was given. The post concluded by highlighting that this kind of experience is not only unpleasant for locals but could significantly tarnish the image of Thailand’s taxi services for international tourists. “Even Thai people feel uncomfortable — imagine how much worse it must feel for foreigners,” the page wrote. It emphasized that while drivers face many pressures, the minimum passengers expect is a basic level of courteous service. Authorities take action: Don Mueang Airport has confirmed that the driver in question will be summoned for investigation. The complaint includes clear digital evidence. (File Photo) In response to the incident, the passenger has lodged a formal complaint through the Airports of Thailand (AOT) Contact Center (1722), providing detailed evidence, including the time of service, queue number, and money transfer record — despite not keeping the physical taxi slip. AOT has since responded, confirming they will summon the driver for an official explanation. On May 26, the Facebook page provided an update, stating that the airport had contacted them and would take further action. They also shared additional complaint channels, including the Department of Land Transport’s Passenger Protection Center. Notably, complaints to the DLT’s hotline (1584) must be made while still in the same province where the incident occurred. For those who have already left the area, other channels such as LINE or email are recommended. The complainant closed the update by stating: “I don’t know how much of a difference this complaint will make. But I believe in exercising our rights. Who knows — it might help improve things in the future, even if just a little.” The post has since sparked widespread discussion online, with many users sharing similar stories and expressing their preference for ride-hailing services like Grab, which are often seen as more reliable, respectful, and transparent in terms of pricing and service.