Anutin Orders Motorcycle Taxis Back to Orange Vests Over Safety Concerns
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered motorcycle taxi drivers nationwide to revert to orange safety vests after admitting he was unaware of the switch to blue vests, which were criticized as unsafe and invisible at night. The policy change had cost drivers 550 baht each for approximately 5,000 vests. Anutin promised to address the financial burden on drivers, while some have already returned to their original orange vests.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered motorcycle taxi drivers to return to wearing the original orange vests, stating he was unaware of the change to blue vests and agreeing they are unsafe. The issue was raised by Chonburi MP Yodchai Phungphra of the People's Party, who demanded explanations for the switch from orange to reflective light blue, and then to dark blue, and the 550-baht per vest cost burden on drivers.
In an October 22 interview on "Inside Thailand," Yodchai said he spoke with Anutin after a parliamentary session on October 21. Anutin reportedly said "I don't know about this at all," then agreed the blue vests were unsafe and immediately ordered a return to orange. When Yodchai mentioned the 550-baht vest cost, Anutin appeared surprised, asking "Drivers paid themselves?" before promising to find a solution.
Approximately 5,000 vests were ordered, with nearly half already purchased from a local shop recommended but not mandated for drivers. Some drivers have already switched back to their old orange vests. No timeline for the formal reversal has been announced, but Anutin has committed to resolving the issue. Yodchai noted the Prime Minister seemed confused, saying "I'm very confused, suddenly the whole country is questioning me."
Pattaya motorcycle taxi drivers separately confirmed the dark blue vests are nearly invisible at night, causing confusion for tourists, while orange remains clearly visible.
