If I have a choice in the matter it will be a new Toyota, leather interior, one colour - old driver because he will know where he is going.

A mate once said the best place to sit in a taxi is behind the driver because if he has a gun in the glove box he will have to turn all the way around to shoot you and might sprain his neck.

I think this is bollocks in a safe city like Bangkok - if I am alone I always sit in the front and if I am in the mood I'll chat away in Thai, leave a tip and say 'Chok dee Khrap', subconsiously check my pockets and the seat and shut the door firmly but nowhere near a slam and give the roof a friendly pat.