Pattaya motorcycle taxis abandon blue uniforms after brief five-day trial

Pattaya's motorcycle taxi fleet has returned to its familiar orange uniforms after a brief trial period with blue attire ended this week. The switch back occurred only five days after the new blue livery was rolled out, marking a quick reversal of the coastal city's attempt to rebrand its popular songthaew-style transportation service.

The reasons behind the abrupt abandonment of the blue uniform scheme were not immediately specified, though operators and city authorities have cited practical concerns regarding the change. The reversal reflects the challenges that Pattaya has faced in implementing recent transportation reforms aimed at modernizing its public transit services.

Motorcycle taxis remain a vital component of Pattaya's transportation infrastructure, serving both residents and tourists navigating the city's congested streets. The vehicles' iconic orange color had become synonymous with the service before this week's experimental shift.

The failed rebranding attempt underscores ongoing tensions between city modernization efforts and the entrenched practices of transportation operators. Pattaya officials have continued pursuing various initiatives to regulate and improve the motorcycle taxi sector, though implementation has proven inconsistent.

Photo: Motorcycle taxi drivers in orange vests wait for passengers at the kerb in Pattaya, Thailand, January 2025. PattayaPatrol via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).