Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Raise Safety Concerns Over New Blue Vests
Pattaya motorcycle taxi drivers are questioning the transition from traditional orange vests to new blue ones, citing poor nighttime visibility and personal costs.
Motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya are expressing concerns regarding the local government's recent mandate to replace their traditional orange vests with new blue ones. The initiative, aimed at creating a new identity for the seaside tourist city, has faced pushback from operators who argue that the dark blue color is significantly less visible to motorists at night compared to the high-visibility orange.
One veteran driver, aged 65, questioned the practicality of the change, stating that drivers operate on roads rather than in the sea. Beyond safety concerns, drivers are facing financial burdens, as they are required to purchase the new vests for 550 baht each. Furthermore, supply chain issues have left some drivers without the new uniforms, forcing them to continue wearing their old orange vests because manufacturers cannot keep up with demand.
For residents and tourists, this transition may cause temporary confusion in identifying authorized motorcycle taxis. While the local authorities in Bang Lamung District have initiated this change to align with a new coastal image, the effectiveness of the new color scheme remains a point of contention. It remains to be confirmed whether the authorities will reconsider the color choice or implement additional reflective measures to address the visibility concerns raised by the drivers.
