PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association is proposing to buy back blue vests purchased by motorcycle taxi drivers following the cancellation of a controversial uniform color change, offering potential relief to drivers left out of pocket. The proposal follows widespread criticism of the switch from orange to dark blue vests for public motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya and Banglamung. Concerns included reduced visibility at night, confusion among tourists and the cost of buying replacement vests, priced at 550 baht each.
Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong, as chairman of the provincial committee, signed an announcement cancelling the prescribed vest and outerwear design for public motorcycle taxi drivers in Banglamung district. The decision cited concerns about additional financial burdens and safety. However, the cancellation came after some drivers had already paid for new blue vests, prompting calls for assistance to offset their expenses.
Krit Jiramongkol, vice president of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association, said the association had discussed the issue internally and consulted Banglamung district officials about ways to help affected drivers. He said the original effort to organize motorcycle taxi services was intended to improve Pattaya’s tourism image and passenger safety. However, the association believes drivers should not have to shoulder the financial burden of changing uniforms alone.
One proposal is to buy back the blue vests and put them to further use. The association had previously discussed sourcing uniforms and shirts for its own activities and believes this approach could potentially be adapted to support motorcycle taxi drivers. The initiative remains under consideration. The association has not yet announced a purchase price, the number of vests it may accept or the process for drivers to participate.
