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| Motorcycles in Bangkok |
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Riding a taxi motorcycle is an efficient way to travel for short rides or when there are traffic jams. When riding, it is safer to wear an helmet even if most Thai people don't wear it. The taxi motorcyclists have always to wear a jacket with a number. They can be found a the end of "SOI" (ซอย) perpendicular road to major roads ("THANON" - ถนน). Price must be negotiated before. Taxis motorcyclists only operate in small area, so if a customer wants to go far away, price increases because the taxi motorcyclist must go back to his area.
Taxi motorcycles are very efficient in traffic jams because they can go between the cars but beware for legs which are very close to the cars. Sometimes they don't hesitate to go in one way street in the wrong way! Many Thai people don't use Taxi motorcycles due to potential danger.
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In Bangkok "SOI" roads are
an incredible maze joining major roads.
Some "SOI" roads looks like upcountry roads
with green lanscape and coco palm trees. Taxi motorcycles are a cheap way
to go from "SOI" to the main closer "THANON".
People living in "SOI" often ask a taxi motorcyclist to fetch a taxicab for them and give them a 20 Baht reward fee. |
| Taxi Motorcyclists in Bangkok |
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In year 2003 motorcyclists have called for action on racketeers. Drivers must pay protection money to the mafia types that run motorcycle taxi queues. The jackets give drivers a right to be there.
In Bangkok, it is common sight to see young ladies
going to work and wearing skirt. Due to this outfit, they need
to sit like an amazone on the motorcycle!
Upcountry, it is often happen to see 4 to 5 people (two parents and their three children)
riding a motorcycle. Ten years old children already know how to drive motorcycles.
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| Motorcycles |
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In Thailand a brand new motorcycle costs around 30 000 Baht for basic models. Wearing an helmet is mandatory even if most Thai motorcycle drivers don't wear one due to the heat. During Songkran and New year's Eve holidays, many motorcyclists die due to reckless driving and alcohol.
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Before taking a taxi or a motorcycle to
remote places, a good idea is to ask their advice to the
surrounding shops. They are always willing to help you and suggest the
real price.
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| Motorcycle |
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| Home > Tourism > Travel in Thailand > Motorcycle |
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