Here is their report:
“Before we caught a meter taxi the team checked the prices of the limousines for a ‘fixed price’ for the same journey. In two cases we were quoted B800.
“The meter taxi was clean, the driver had a uniform and badge, there was paperwork exchanged between the taxi booking booth and the driver.
“On the way out of the airport all taxis have to check in with a booth near the exit, staffed by military personnel.
“There was no visits to jewellery stores or offers of ‘deals’ for accommodation. Mr Somkid, the driver (speaking through the Phuket News TV Thai camera-staff) was full of praise for the new arrangement and was happy that there had been a crackdown on the illegal taxis and what he described as a ‘mafia’ which used to run the taxis at the airport.
“The journey took just over 30 minutes, including the expected delays on the bypass road trying to turn right at the Samkong intersection.
“So what was the final fare for the journey? B492 baht, plus a B100 airport levy (paid by all taxis).
“We rounded it out to B500 and gave the driver a B50 tip. Total cost B650, including tip. That was B150 cheaper than the quoted limousine price.”