PATTAYA, Thailand – Motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya are returning their blue vests to Banglamung District Office and receiving refunds of 550 baht each after Chonburi authorities cancelled the order requiring a switch from the traditional orange uniforms. Drivers arrived at the district office on October 26 to return the vests and reclaim the money they had paid for the new uniforms. Officials have set up a reception point to check documents, inspect the returned vests and process refunds.
To qualify, drivers must present their national identification card, the blue vest or jacket and a receipt or other proof of payment from the tailor. After verification, they receive 550 baht for each returned vest. Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong signed the cancellation on October 22, reversing the requirement to change to dark blue vests and restoring the previous approach under Department of Land Transport regulations.
The change followed concerns raised by drivers and members of the public over the cost of replacing uniforms, reduced visibility at night and possible confusion among tourists who were accustomed to the orange vests. Motorcycle taxi driver Adisak Thamma said he brought his blue vest and all required documents to the district office and received his 550-baht refund. Another driver, Thanaphong Phromphon, said he was pleased to recover the money and thanked those involved in resolving the issue. The refund process offers some financial relief to drivers who had already paid for the blue uniforms before the order was cancelled.
