Taxi woes need to be sorted out, one way or another

Despite the recent increase in taxi fares with another increase looming, taxi shenanigans continue. I would say it is high time the Department of Land Transport brought order to this sector and dealt mercilessly with all the dishonest taxi drivers out there preying on their poor unfortunate passengers (if indeed they deign to offer them a ride). I had understood the problem with taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi Airport had been solved, but it would seem not. The latest scam to occur is that of a driver claiming to a foreign passenger that the starting fare had been increased from 35 baht to 75 baht. Another frequent problem I have encountered over several years of daily taxi travelling is that of fixed meters which enable the meter to jump certain amounts, for example from 39 baht to 43 baht without passing 41 baht, and functioning at an abnormal speed. I sincerely hope that the authorities can solve the long-running and festering problem of the taxi service in this city once and for all. If the solution requires higher taxi fares, so be it, but please do something.
Edward B Duhigg