Shady Project

Transit In Thailand: Taxis

Posted by Shady Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:04:17 GMT

Taxis in thailand are pretty much like Taxis anywhere else in the world. Flag 'em down, hop in, go where you want, pay what it says on the meter. Par for the course. That said, there are a few difference to be aware of.

The first, and most noticeable, difference is the color: there isn't just one standard color for a thai taxi. No, thai taxis can come in any of the following colors: Yellow (yawn), Bright Green, Royal Blue, Neon Pink, Royal Purple (usually with some kind of yellow or pink stripe on the side - these appear to be advertisements for thai airways), a Lighter Purple, Metallic Bronze, Candy Apple Red, and a two toned Red/Blue or Yellow/Green.

The two toned taxis bring us to the next difference: All taxis except the Yellow/Green variety are members of the taxi drivers union. Yellow/Green taxis are actually independently owned and operated by private citizens. Despite the private ownership, the taxis charge exactly the same rate as the union members. They appear to exist solely as a way for private citizens to make some extra cash. They are, however, regulated. Owners of private taxis (you can have more then one) must be licensed by the communications(?) department.

Like pretty much everything else in Thailand, taxis are really really cheap. From Victory Monument to where I am staying on Don Muang road (approximate distance 12 miles) was less then 5 bucks. Can't really go wrong.

Check out the pictures of every conceivable color of thai taxi in the gallery.