In Pattaya, motorcycle taxi drivers complain that the "blue vests" are not eye-catching, leaving tourists confused and unable to recognize them as hired motorcycles. They also face growing competition from an increasing number of ride-hailing app providers.
On 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that after Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, began regulating motorcycle taxis in Pattaya by changing the vest color from orange to blue to create a new image for the tourist city, some motorcycle taxi operators expressed concerns. They highlighted problems such as tourists being unfamiliar with the new vest color and increased competition from ride-hailing app services.
Ms. Somphong Putong, 51, a motorcycle taxi driver in Pattaya, revealed that after the vest color changed from orange to blue, her profession was affected. She said the blue is a rather dull color, not as eye-catching as the orange familiar to locals and tourists, causing some customers to be confused and unsure if the bikes were hired motorcycles, resulting in fewer customers recently.
However, she believes the situation may improve in the future as tourists begin to recognize and remember that motorcycle taxis in Pattaya now wear blue vests. At the same time, drivers still face competition from ride-hailing app services, which have increased in number.
Mr. Wisit Sanbutdee, 50, another motorcycle taxi driver, said that while the change to blue vests has somewhat affected his work, drivers must comply with government guidelines. He noted that passenger numbers have decreased, partly due to intensified competition from the growing number of ride-hailing app services.
Mr. Wisit added that he hopes government agencies will step in to address these problems to ensure fairness in the profession and help traditional motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya regain income and increase their customer base.