Petrol rip off on soi 112

[Expat657]

Just to make members aware, if your down this way....

My little mitsubishi was running empty so I went to fill it up, usually 1000 baht or just under does the trick, when I pulled in there's the usual 40,000 attendants waiting to fill up for you!
The guy asked me how much, I said 1000 baht, he turned to talk to his mate laughing at each other! I hear the customary falang word spoken a few times....
One guy was hovering by the pump while the other filled up, I couldn't actually see if it was set to zero but I did see the end figure of 1000 baht.
Anyway.... It's filled my car up 3/4!!
I have a feeling the motorbike on the opposite side was filled up and then mine was done straight afterwards, I don't think he put it back into the machine to re set it!
Honest mistake?
Gut says NO!
Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience with you guys.

[kendo]

Did it sound a bit like "farang Gai" by any chance.

[hhfarang]

That's a pretty common scam. I had it happen to me once at the Mobile station on Phetkasem road near the entrance to 112. I was sure that's what had happened, but didn't watch closely enough to prove it. But as with you the cost was not equal to the amount of gas I got. I've heard and read of people catching attendants doing it.

[Big Boy]

Assuming the OP was referring to the station near to Tesco, this isn't the first time i've read of this scam.

After reading the alleged problem, the next couple of times I filled up there the clock was reading 50 or a hundred Baht. I mentioned it to my wife, and she was told it would reset as soon as they started, and it did. My thoughts were who buys diesel in units of 50 Baht?

Next time I noticed it, I kept quiet and watched closely. Again, as soon as they started the pump, it reset.

I use it quite regularly, and haven't been scammed yet.

[HHTel]

I've been using that station for 10 years and never had a problem. On the other hand, the private station in 94 charges around 40% over the odds. The pumps read ok so it has to be the settings of the pumps. Firstly I thought it was a mistake but happened the next time equally. Tried a motorbike there and in any other station you're lucky to get 100 baht in but there 100 bt was no problem and left plenty of room for more. The locals probably don't notice it as they will get 20, 30, 40 or so baht in.

[Expat657]

The station is was referring to is actually on soi112, as your driving up it, past the parade of shops on the left and the petrol station is on the right hand side.

[Big Boy]

OK, not the one I was thinking of, and I don't think its been mentioned here before.

[STEVE G]

Personally, I avoid small independent service stations anywhere in Asia, it's too easy for them to rig the pumps and also they tend to have old storage tanks full of rust and leaking water into the fuel. One thing I learnt to watch out for when driving in Indonesia was when the fuel price changed, they would rig the pumps for a few days after as people would be less likely to notice if a full tank was costing more than they usually paid.

[VincentD]

First thing, get out and watch them fill it up. I do it all the time, to the point where the attendants at my regular stations recognise me and me a smile. This also avoids the chance that the wrong type of fuel is used. I'm fussy. Second, all the fuel dispensers in the Kingdom should have a 'or yor' (for anu-yaad, meaning 'permission'). This means it has been calibrated and checked. There should also be a standard 1 liter measuring can, also with a sticker and a marker with an arrow indicating the 1 liter level. It is used to ensure the correct amount of liquid is dispensed.
I know this because I have installed a coin-operated fuel dispenser in front of my upcountry property. The metering mechanism is sealed with a tamper-proof seal. The price at which fuel is dispensed is the only thing that can be adjusted; when doubts arise the 1 liter standard can is produced. I have yet to have a problem with disgruntled customers. ... :-)

[HHTel]

Well I know from experience that the one on soi 94 is way overcharging but there are no visible signs that it is happening. Once again, it's a private station so they have found a way around it.