Learned that the transportation industry in Chiang Mai, and I would assume in the rest of Thailand, is controlled by a local mafia of sorts. As I have discovered, tuk tuk and taxi drivers in Bangkok are all motivated by commissions. If you do not firmly state your destination, they will feel inclined to take you on a tour of the gem and jewellry shops that pay the best commission. This goes for travel agencies and tailors, as well. Anyways, I gather that the Chiang Mai mafia was driven out of Bangkok many years ago, and now control the entire region, successfully keeping the legimate metered taxis out. I think I understand things a little better now...