I don't think it's a myth that some meters run a little quicker than others. When I encountered this in Bangkok, I just accepted it without challenge. The fares are still cheap anyway.
Where I was more insistent is ensuring meters are switched on. At Don Muang, airport taxis were really ripping people off. During peak periods when you had a long line at the official rank, taxis would pull up and charge 500 thb for a 250-300 thb journey. No meter. If you insisted on the meter you stayed in the queue. Not sure how much better the new airport is?
Some foreigners walk around constantly thinking they are being ripped off. Or Thais are going to get them killed on the road. I had one last night. My fault. First time in 40 years of driving and I forgot to switch on the car lights, after pulling away from a 7-11.
![Embarassed :oops:](./images/smilies/icon_redface.gif)
A 50-ish Brit driving toward me, absolutely exploded with rage. Yelling and cursing, instead of simply waving or flashing his lights to point out my error. I was amazed (happily, a few years of abuse on the forum hardens you to such reactions).
If he's reading this, sorry to have alarmed you and I hope you got home alright.
If it had been a Thai, who understood what he was saying, I can imagine a savage beating would have followed. There's been enough incidents of retaliation here to know foreigners take a huge risk abusing Thais.