Aus Truth-Quark

Here is how to defeat the Bangkok commuter traffic blues. First of all, the big transport network within Thailand's capital city has come along in leaps and bounds on the back of 30 years of extraordinary financial increase, much like the system which is lead by the likes of Chief Executives. Of course, city coordinators in Thailand are always playing catch-up as Bangkok's human population has ballooned in recent years. However following ten years of building, 2 transport networks have been completed, including a two line skytrain and a more far reaching metro network.

The MRT and BTS (as the metro and skytrain are officially known), cover most places that a tourist may need to get to and even when disembarking at a station there are constantly taxis waiting around to take you the last couple of blocks when the tropical humidity is too unbearable to walk in. Not surprisingly, the sad truth of modern Thailand is the fact that middle class and wealthy Thais might rather sit down for several hours within the ease and comfort of their air conditioned vehicles than join the public transport system. Taxis might be cheap within Bangkok but there are simply too many cars on the street and not a sufficient amount of law enforcement or traffic organizing. While in Bangkok, take the public transportation if you can.

However there are times when taking a taxi is by far the most practical choice, compared to public transport. It is the only realistic method to reach either of the 2 airports, and a useful method to get around town, provided your timing is right. It is easier to catch a taxi than a sun tan within Thailand, and also unless they're sought after or at a tourist trap, the drivers can be pretty honest together with using the meter. A typical 20 minute ride should cost no more than 200 baht ($5), but if you're a first-timer to Thailand they might get away with charging you twice that. But they hate the commuter traffic as much as you might, and do not be surprised if they refuse to drive to a far away destination on the cusp of the rush hour. This we might add, starts at 3.30pm when schools finish, however it gets worse in between 4.30pm and also 7pm. Later in the evening the traffic is a breeze, and taxis are the best option for a pub crawl through the city. Then there is the rain, which pours down unannounced for hours in the monsoon season. This generally runs from May until October and causes absolute chaos regarding traffic, especially when the city floods later within each season.