Don’t be fooled by the website that Tuk-tuks are popular among tourists and locals. They are obliged to write that.
Your question can be answered in one line. YES, it’s only for tourists.
Ask any Thai, Tuk-tuk has seldom been on our list of modes of transport- never.
Although you can still see them at the neighborhood marketplaces that is the only time the locals will ever think of Tuk-tuk, mind you, those Tuk-tuks are not the same kind in front of your hotels or at the Grand Palace.
For me? The last time I took a Tuk-tuk was at least 3 years ago before COVID, as I offered the fare and suggested a shortcut route during rush hour.
Most Thai commuters will offer the fare first- “ Hi Tuk-tuk, 80 Baht, going my way- a shortcut route- go or not?
During the Covid, the Tuk-tuks business was hard hit. One of the drivers I know was completely down to zero business.
What made once grandma’s favorite but now, is being rejected by many Thai commuters in general?
Tourists spoil them with big tourists dollars, besides, there is no rule, and no fixed fare, ( unlike motorcycle taxis) thus making the charges seem exorbitant (always start with 50 Baht for Thais but 100-150 Baht for foreigners)
Even to the locals, the fare will increase if more passengers, unlike taxis, the taxi fare is controlled by the meter and 1 or 4 passengers pay the same fare.
Today, Tuk-tuk is a novelty for tourists - Been there, done that. It’s fun for the first-timer.
No comments:
Post a Comment