A group of Pattaya motorcycle taxi drivers complain that the "blue vests" are dark and dull, making it hard to recognize them as motorcycle taxis at night, leading to a sharp decline in income. They lament that previous governments provided free vests, but now they must pay 550 baht each, with some unable to afford the replacement.
The Bang Lamung District in Chonburi Province has proceeded with reorganizing motorcycle taxi services in Pattaya by changing their vests from orange to blue to create a new image for the tourist city.
On 20 Oct 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited motorcycle taxi stands in Pattaya city, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, following the change from orange to blue vests. It was found that many motorcycle taxi groups have switched to blue vests, though some still wear the original orange vests while operating as usual.
Reporters visited the area near North Pattaya shopping malls and spoke with motorcycle taxi drivers wearing both new and old vests. Mr. Bannasit, 53, and Mr. Manas, 50, said customers are confused by the new vest color, causing reluctance to use their service. Customers immediately call when they see the orange vest. They also said the blue vest is too dark and not eye-catching, making it almost invisible at night, which risks the safety of the drivers. They hope the color can return to orange or a brighter, more vivid color.
Mr. Sakchai, 40, admitted the vest color is a problem for motorcycle taxi work because it is too dark and nearly invisible in low light. Having been a driver for over 20 years, he acknowledged the orange vest as a symbol of their profession. Since switching to blue, business has suffered due to customer confusion, especially among foreign tourists who hesitate to use motorcycle taxis. He personally feels the new vest color resembles government agency uniforms.
Mr. Yon, 59, told the news team that since switching to blue vests, customers have noticeably decreased, likely due to confusion. Previously, wearing orange vests, he served 6-7 customers daily, but now only 3-4. He asked relevant agencies to issue clear rules to phase out old orange vests so everyone understands that Pattaya motorcycle taxis now wear blue. He noted it will take time for locals and tourists to adapt to the new color.
Mr. Pong (alias), 67, a motorcycle taxi driver on Central Pattaya Road, reported a clear drop in income since switching to blue vests because customers are confused and the color is dull. He added that motorcycle taxis now compete with app-based ride services, further reducing earnings. He views the regulation to change the vest design as positive but recalled that in past governments under Thaksin Shinawatra and the NCPO, new vests were provided free. This time, drivers must pay 550 baht each. He stressed that safety should be considered since the blue color is too dark and could cause danger.
Mr. Non, 75, and Mr. Rat, 76, motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya for over 30 years, have not yet received blue vests and still wear orange ones. They said they have registered and paid 550 baht for new vests. They expressed concern over the vest change causing public confusion and the dark color. They sympathize with colleagues who cannot afford new vests and requested authorities to help. Previously, the government covered the first vest cost, but now drivers must pay. They also hope the new color is not politically associated and prefer a brighter color or returning to orange. They heard the reason for the change was to match the sea color.
Mr. Somron Ruraks, 50, a local resident who regularly uses motorcycle taxi services, admitted being confused by the new vest color. He noted that from a distance, it is nearly impossible to see the driver as a motorcycle taxi, unlike the old bright orange vest. He does not agree with the change because the vest color is not clear.
The numbers of motorcycle taxi groups registered for new vests in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, are divided among three police stations as follows: Nongprue Police Station has 28 groups with 198 drivers; Bang Lamung Police Station has 61 groups with 525 drivers; and Pattaya City Police Station has 478 groups with 4,558 drivers.