Chonburi Governor Scraps Blue Motorbike Taxi Jackets, Reverts to Orange
Chonburi's governor has revoked a rule forcing Bang Lamung motorbike taxi drivers to wear blue jackets, reverting to the traditional orange uniforms. The decision follows complaints about the cost of new gear, waste, and evidence that the dark blue jackets were dangerously hard to see at night. Drivers will now follow the standard national regulations for motorbike taxi attire.
Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong has cancelled the requirement for motorbike taxi drivers in Bang Lamung district to wear blue jackets, ordering a return to the original orange uniforms. On October 22, 2026, Governor Naris, in his capacity as chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Committee, signed an announcement revoking the previous order dated November 20, 2025, which had mandated new blue jackets with specific reflective strips, text, and ID number formats. The committee found that compliance imposed repeated costs on drivers for new gear, caused unnecessary waste, and raised practical safety and value concerns. The original standard jackets were already widely recognized and clearly visible. The revocation aims to reduce financial burdens, prevent waste, and ease frustration among motorbike taxi operators. Drivers are now instructed to follow the general regulations and announcements of the Department of Land Transport.
Additional reports indicate Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered the reversion to orange, stating the blue jackets were unsafe. Pattaya motorbike taxi drivers demonstrated that the dark blue jackets were barely visible at night, while orange remained clearly visible. Local operators had complained the blue color was not eye-catching and confused tourists.
