For any visitor new to Thailand, one of the first things you’ll notice is the small three-wheeled taxis which zip around the roads at alarming speeds with little concern for the rules of the roads. These motorised rickshaws are of course the ubiquitous tuk-tuk (ตุ๊กตุ๊ก), so-called because of the sound they make. With their brightly coloured metallic bodies, they make a great subject to photograph.
Despite their charm, it’s best to avoid tuk-tuks if you’re a tourist since you’re bound to get ripped off or taken on a merry ride to somewhere unexpected.
Because of their size, tuk-tuks are able to weave their way through Bangkok’s crazy traffic – often faster than their four-wheeled friends.
Given their small open cabins, passengers are exposed to high pollution levels as the traffic officer above is no doubt aware.
A blur of distinctive red, green, blue and yellow shells speed by as soon as the traffic lights turn green.
Some drivers decorate their tuk-tuks with religious charms although in the case above he seems to have gotten a little carried away!
The police on the other hand have far less glamorous vehicles 🙂
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