Pattaya Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Say Blue Uniforms Confuse Tourists
Motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya say the switch from orange to blue uniforms makes them less visible, confusing tourists and reducing passenger numbers. They acknowledge the change may improve over time but note growing competition from ride‑hailing apps like Bolt. The uniform change is part of a local effort to organize motorcycle taxis and refresh the city's tourist image.
On October 19, 2026, following efforts by Bang Lamung District in Chonburi Province to organize motorcycle taxis in Pattaya city by switching vests from orange to blue to create a new image for the tourist destination, some motorcycle taxi operators have spoken out about the impact, especially the unfamiliarity of tourists with the new uniform color. 51‑year‑old motorcycle taxi driver Somphong said the change from orange to blue has affected their livelihood to a degree, noting that blue is a dull color that does not stand out like orange, leaving locals and foreign tourists unfamiliar and some customers confused about whether the riders are legitimate taxis, which has reduced passenger numbers. However, she believes the situation may improve in the future, although they may still face competition from app‑based ride services, especially Bolt, which is gaining more drivers. Meanwhile, 50‑year‑old Wisit said the switch to blue uniforms has affected their work somewhat, but as riders they must follow the guidelines set by government agencies; current passenger numbers have dropped partly due to competition from ride‑hailing apps.
