Mr Tooms Taxi

[guido13 0]

I used Mr Tooms service this past June and my experience was not a positive one. I spotted a sign being held at the airport that somewhat resembled my name but I wasn't sure. My first and last names total 11 letters. I counted 7 of 11 correct. I asked the young man if he was from Mr. Toom and he shook his head yes. The car was an older BMW, very clean and not bad looking. The young driver spoke no english at all. When I spoke to him I usually got a nervous smile. Well I don't speak Thai very well and I think the lack of communication between us contributed to the bad experience.

It started when we were exiting the parking lot and the driver stuck out his hand and expected me to pay. I told him the fare of 1200 baht included all parking and tolls. He just smiled and said you pay. After 21 hours in the air I had no energy to argue. I paid. We then left the airport and made it to the tollway. At each tool booth I was made to pay the toll. Then he exits and we are driving in Bangkok. We drove around some not so nice areas until he stopped at a gas station. He had a conversation with an attendant and we drove on. He could sense my displeasure and said only 5 minutes. Well 5 minutes turned into 35 minutes until he found a station and filled his tank with a hose to a modified system mounted in his trunk. I then realized why the other stations could not fill his tank. He needed something called RPG fuel. He gets it filled up and, you guessed it, Falang has to pay 200 Baht. I'm starting to understand that this guy doesn't have a satang. He showed up at the airport to pick me up with no money and no gas!

The ride to Pattaya was not a good one. The car pulled heavily to the left and many times we came very close to sideswiping cars as we went by. The cars headlights needed replacing and the driver had to use his highbeam lights most of the time. It began raining and the windshield wipers were so worn they were useless. The reckless driving of the young man coupled with the poorly maintained vehicle, made for a dangerous and scary ride.

He had no idea where my hotel was, even though I provided him with a map. Fortunately, I have a good sense of direction in Pattaya and had stayed at the hotel before. The trip took 3 hrs 20 min. I paid him 800 baht(1200 minus gas, tolls, and parking). He gave me a confused look but I think he sensed not to give me any grief because I was having none of it!

These discount car services are hit and miss. I realize the vast majority of BM's who have used Mr Tooms service have had a positive experience. I sometimes think the boards give guys like Mr Toom more business than they can handle, and they farm it out to people they are not familiar with.

However, I don't think it's too much to ask to be driven in a well maintained vehicle, in a safe manner. I also think it's reasonable to expect the car to be fueled up and ready to go when I'm picked up.

Therefore, I will not be using Mr Tooms service again, and I cannot recommend him to others.

 

Guido

 

I also have used Image Limo. Brand New Toyota Camry, leather seats. Great smooth ride, very safe driver. More expensive, but a good experience.

[x_man 0]

well, I guess that does it.

I would'nt use Mr T. untill he cleans up his act, X.

[drpaul854 0]

Disheartening to hear these reports - I have used Mr. Toom on four occasions with four different drivers/cars (once with Mr.Toom himself) and all 4 experiences have been positive. But I can not argue that some of these reported trips are much less than satisfactory.

 

Mr. Toom would be wise to monitor these boards and correct the problem drivers brought to his attention ASAP. Perhaps he is growing too fast to maintain quality control and a reputation lost is harder to regain than it is to initially establish.

[too_mutt 10]

I was considering using Mr. Toom, but now I think I will go with Image Limo.

 

Regards

[Sammy 30]

I used a Mr. T's service 3 times. Don't know if it the same Mr. Toom. 1st 2 times were great. One pickup in a newer spotlessly clean Toyota Van that could haul 8 and it was just me and 1 piece of luggage Bkk to Pty. 2nd time in a nice Volvo Pty to Bkk. 3rd time had the same experience as guido13. Guy drove around Bkk for an endless amount of time looking for fuel. Won't use that service again.

[elef 0]

I think the hotel limo service I mentioned above use Mr T, some drivers tried to make me contact directly the company and save the 300 baht for the hotel. I threw away the business card as they were more than hour late after booking directly from Pattaya to BKK.

Edited July 27, 2006 by elef

[Dr Mick 111]

I was let down by Mr Toon on 15 July 7 30 am ,never turned up ,so I had hassle finding anther taxie and at more cost

[elef 0]

Just to make clear - Mr T may be a different company than Mr Toon's.

[RedRackam 0]

I used his service back in June.

 

Pretty perfect as far as I was concerned.

 

Nice girl with my name on a board met me on the right as you're leaving the airport walkway.

 

Downstairs when she got her nice new car.

 

Smooth drive to the Pats Hotel and 1200.

 

Remember fellas this is thailand so things don't always run smoothly. I'd bet though that his service has a 90%+ success rate. And anyway if you book someone else you think they're going to be better than 90%?

[Hub 203]

Used him four times last month. First 3 times fine, older car.

 

Last time total cock up, supposed to show up with van, instead camry, had to send wife in separate car as three of us with a lot of luggage. Doubled the cost, but inconvenience/safety the big factor as stressed trying to make tee time at KK and wife alone to Jomtien. Could have got a minivan cheaper.

 

Apologies only go so far.

 

Mr. Toom, if you read this, you should offer the first poster 800 baht back or at worse,a 400 baht ride to Patttaya next time.

 

Hub

[elef 0]

Mr Toom is just registered, so he can't see this thread.

[jacko 8,766]

Mr Toom is just registered, so he can't see this thread.

So if people are having complaints, why are they posting in the members area...he is pulling business from the 'open to everyone' section? I would like the man to have a chance to respond.

Edited July 27, 2006 by jacko

[torrenova 644]

Perhaps MM should move this to the open area so Mr Toom can respond.

 

I've used him perhaps half a dozen times and all without problems.

 

I've a Thai friend who used to run a taxi business and he explained how it works. A Bangkok guy gets a trip to Pattaya for whatever fare. He'll call his contacts in Pattaya to get a trip back. He may only get around Bt600/700 for the return trip but it is better than nothing.

 

As for Mr Toom, he should perhaps consider what happened to that guy Alex whose business expanded so far that it imploded.

[MM 6,562]

I'll move it. Please keep the responses within the rules of the Open Forum.

 

Thanks.

[ozboy 31]

I also think that possibly mr T could be a different service to mr Toom. There is a notice in reception,i think,at the areca lodge saying that mr T,or something close to that, is not even allowed to enter the areca driveway and there is a car service of the same name opposite the areca.

ozboy

[mike100 0]

I also think that possibly mr T could be a different service to mr Toom.

ozboy

Mr T is another company and Pattaya based on Soi Diana.

 

Off topic, but I have used Mr T four times without problems, and on the last pick up from BKK the driver even picked my wife up from our place nr Pattaya to meet me with no extra charge.

 

Hope Mr Toom sees this thread and reply’s as I have heard good reports on his service up to now and was thinking of giving him a try.

 

Mike.

[spacebass 0]

Taxi drivers the world over as a group are not the most reliable group in the world.

 

 

We use Mr Toom because he promised at least relaibility and no rip off.

 

It is clear he for whatever reason can no longer guarantee that his personal vision can be maintained.

 

So now he becomes just like the rest of the taxi operators.

 

It would be a good idea for Mr Toom to use this board to explain his current service, including how he intends to reinburse board customers who are clearly ripped off by his drivers, as he did when he strarted the board business. This is his problem not ours.

 

If he does not he is basically abusing the facility of the board

Edited July 28, 2006 by spacebass

[BOBBY59 0]

I am arriving in bkk in the afternoon of 16/08/06 and would like to know emails of taxi services and telephone nos ,i am going to an hotel on 3rd pattaya,my email adress is desquaid@eircom.net

[toom 0]

After reading glowing reviews I felt confident enough to book MR Tooms Taxi to collect me and my newbie pal from Bangkok on the 8th July. I should have picked up on the omen that my christian name was written backwards.

The guy who was there to meet us was between 150 and 250 years old no major problem there and he seemed quite nice. The problem was his car was probably the same age as him. Air conditioning did not work, two out of the three seatbelts in the back were broken and the other one held together with cardboard and tape.

Still not a big deal as the excitement of going to Pattaya softens your expectations re transport.

When we arrived in Pattaya he did not know how to get to the Areca Lodge. He drove all round one way systems and up every side street in Pattaya. By this stage we were livid and I told him to stop and ask someone...he wouldn't.

We eventually found our hotel and then he started arguing about the price. I paid the 2,000 he asked for as I was too frustrated to talk sensibly to him.

Total time from pick up to arrival at Areca Lodge 3hours 45 minutes.

Cost of Taxi 2000 baht

I WILL NEVER USE MR TOOMS SERVICE AGAIN!!!!

The only downer to a wonderfull holiday.

Alex

ARE YOU SURE ? USED MY SERVICE ON 8 JULY BUT I'M HAS NO YOUR ORDER ON THAT TIME FOR MY TEAM EVERY BODY KNOW ARECA LODGE VERY WELL IF YOUR 100% PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR ORIGINAL NAME DIRECT TO toom39@msn.com FOR CLEAR WHAT DO YOU WANT ?

[toom 0]

I was let down by Mr Toon on 15 July 7 30 am ,never turned up ,so I had hassle finding anther taxie and at more cost

I don't know Who are you ?Are you make order to toom39@msn.com ? And i'm replay for confirm already ? on that day( 15 July ) i has only 2 pick up order at BKK.A/P on 14.10pm. and 16.30pm. all 100% is clear.

[toom 0]

Used him four times last month. First 3 times fine, older car.

 

Last time total cock up, supposed to show up with van, instead camry, had to send wife in separate car as three of us with a lot of luggage. Doubled the cost, but inconvenience/safety the big factor as stressed trying to make tee time at KK and wife alone to Jomtien. Could have got a minivan cheaper.

 

Apologies only go so far.

 

Mr. Toom, if you read this, you should offer the first poster 800 baht back or at worse,a 400 baht ride to Patttaya next time.

 

Hub

Yes Sure Khun HUB i'm understan what do you want on that time me think too i want to save cost for you but i'm do WRONG So sorry for 3 people by toyota camry last time is good enoung but for you have so many suitcase yes sure your tell me befor but i'm think wrong i'm so stupid

[toom 0]

I used Mr Tooms service this past June and my experience was not a positive one. I spotted a sign being held at the airport that somewhat resembled my name but I wasn't sure. My first and last names total 11 letters. I counted 7 of 11 correct. I asked the young man if he was from Mr. Toom and he shook his head yes. The car was an older BMW, very clean and not bad looking. The young driver spoke no english at all. When I spoke to him I usually got a nervous smile. Well I don't speak Thai very well and I think the lack of communication between us contributed to the bad experience.

It started when we were exiting the parking lot and the driver stuck out his hand and expected me to pay. I told him the fare of 1200 baht included all parking and tolls. He just smiled and said you pay. After 21 hours in the air I had no energy to argue. I paid. We then left the airport and made it to the tollway. At each tool booth I was made to pay the toll. Then he exits and we are driving in Bangkok. We drove around some not so nice areas until he stopped at a gas station. He had a conversation with an attendant and we drove on. He could sense my displeasure and said only 5 minutes. Well 5 minutes turned into 35 minutes until he found a station and filled his tank with a hose to a modified system mounted in his trunk. I then realized why the other stations could not fill his tank. He needed something called RPG fuel. He gets it filled up and, you guessed it, Falang has to pay 200 Baht. I'm starting to understand that this guy doesn't have a satang. He showed up at the airport to pick me up with no money and no gas!

The ride to Pattaya was not a good one. The car pulled heavily to the left and many times we came very close to sideswiping cars as we went by. The cars headlights needed replacing and the driver had to use his highbeam lights most of the time. It began raining and the windshield wipers were so worn they were useless. The reckless driving of the young man coupled with the poorly maintained vehicle, made for a dangerous and scary ride.

He had no idea where my hotel was, even though I provided him with a map. Fortunately, I have a good sense of direction in Pattaya and had stayed at the hotel before. The trip took 3 hrs 20 min. I paid him 800 baht(1200 minus gas, tolls, and parking). He gave me a confused look but I think he sensed not to give me any grief because I was having none of it!

These discount car services are hit and miss. I realize the vast majority of BM's who have used Mr Tooms service have had a positive experience. I sometimes think the boards give guys like Mr Toom more business than they can handle, and they farm it out to people they are not familiar with.

However, I don't think it's too much to ask to be driven in a well maintained vehicle, in a safe manner. I also think it's reasonable to expect the car to be fueled up and ready to go when I'm picked up.

Therefore, I will not be using Mr Tooms service again, and I cannot recommend him to others.

 

Guido

 

I also have used Image Limo. Brand New Toyota Camry, leather seats. Great smooth ride, very safe driver. More expensive, but a good experience.

To day i have to clear everythink for KHun Guido my friend ( Mr.Man ) tell me him take care you from BKK.A/P to Naklear was no prop. never do like your tell but for me i don't know what happen on that time if your gentleman please make clear to me

[toom 0]

Just to make clear - Mr T may be a different company than Mr Toon's.

Yes sure i'm another ONCE my name is MR.Sura Kawpraparn nick name is Toom is mean some think sound drop to water i don't like this name but can't to chance my base service is in BKK.City but i have my friend leave at pattaya can take care my customers from there

[Dr Mick 111]

I don't know Who are you ?Are you make order to toom39@msn.com ? And i'm replay for confirm already ? on that day( 15 July ) i has only 2 pick up order at BKK.A/P on 14.10pm. and 16.30pm. all 100% is clear.

Yes I did send you e mail

see letter below:ang2

 

----- Original Message -----

From: sura kawpraparn

To: michael.dixon833@ntlworld.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:00 PM

Subject: RE: Availability of booking a taxi

 

 

Hello Khun Michel

 

Welcome to my service and so thank for confidence me i'm receive your order already can confirm now and very easy to meet me at BKK.A/P after immigration and custom clear have to out arrival hall please turn left and look at right side i will wait for you with your name on a board around there if that time have any problem please call 01-4827148 or 03-0178066 and for back trip if you want i'm take care please send direct mail or call to me later.

 

Many thank see you 15 Aug 07.20 am.

 

Mr.Toom

 

Mr.Toom

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "michael dixon"

To:

Subject: Availability of booking a taxi

Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 18:10:46 +0100

 

 

Hi Mr Toon

 

I fly into Bangkok airport on Saturday 15th August at 07:20

Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok

Flight number is EY 403.

 

Is it possible to arrange a taxi booking form airport to Pattaya ,I am stopping at the flippers lodge hotel.

 

The price quoted I have seen all inclusive for 1200 baht

 

Thank You hope to hear comfirmation soon

Mr Michael Dixon

[toom 0]

Yes I did send you e mail

see letter below:ang2

 

----- Original Message -----

From: sura kawpraparn

To: michael.dixon833@ntlworld.com

Sent: Tuesday, July 04, 2006 12:00 PM

Subject: RE: Availability of booking a taxi

 

 

Hello Khun Michel

 

Welcome to my service and so thank for confidence me i'm receive your order already can confirm now and very easy to meet me at BKK.A/P after immigration and custom clear have to out arrival hall please turn left and look at right side i will wait for you with your name on a board around there if that time have any problem please call 01-4827148 or 03-0178066 and for back trip if you want i'm take care please send direct mail or call to me later.

 

Many thank see you 15 Aug 07.20 am.

 

Mr.Toom

 

Mr.Toom

 

 

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: "michael dixon" <michael.dixon833@ntlworld.com>

To: <toom39@msn.com>

Subject: Availability of booking a taxi

Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 18:10:46 +0100

 

 

Hi Mr Toon

 

I fly into Bangkok airport on Saturday 15th August at 07:20

Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok

Flight number is EY 403.

 

Is it possible to arrange a taxi booking form airport to Pattaya ,I am stopping at the flippers lodge hotel.

 

The price quoted I have seen all inclusive for 1200 baht

 

Thank You hope to hear comfirmation soon

Mr Michael Dixon

Many thank KHun Dixan

On that time please do follow me tell ( turn left ) and look at right side for find you name on a board i'm 100% Confirm will meet me there and take you to Flipper Lodge H/T