GWR
11-02-08, 12:16 AM
MCOT article with TV News Video:
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=5857
IMHO Nonthaburi is 15 Kms. NORTH of Bangkok's central area, not "15 kilometres south of Bangkok":
Traditional tricycles find their own space on modern roads
Whoever comes across this city market of Nonthaburi province, just 15 kilometres south of Bangkok, might be very surprised to see traditional tricycles standing out in roads crowded with modern cars.
Thavee Peungjab , a rider of atraditional tricycle for more than 20 years, said the tricycle was his life companion. Each day he earned around 800 baht, which was enough to feed all members of his family.
“If I’m getting too old to ride, I will stop. But now I am still strong, I will keep riding the tricycle. Many lives in my family lean on me.”, said Thavee
The fare starts from 15 baht but there is no fixed rate like with a taxi meter. Riders and passengers deal on the price to their satisfaction. However, if the distance is more than 10 kilometres, an extra cost will be charged as it means the rider can’t make as many rounds as usual.
Most tricycle passengers are elderly people and vendors, impressed with the good service of the riders. They also feel safer sitting in a slow-but-sure tricycle than a speedy zigzag taxi or tuk tuk. Tricycles also do not pollute the air.
“I take a tricycle because I want to help preserve the career of tricycle riding. Also, tricycles consume very little oil and don’t emit pollution. There are already too many cars on the streets and the air is polluted.”, said a tricycle passenger.
With day-to-day rising oil prices, the tricycle is an alternative transport for those seeking to reduce their cost of living.
However, for some others, the tricycle means so much more than that. It gives a feeling of long lost traditional Thai lifestyle in the 21st century.
Last Update : 2008-02-08, 2008-02-08 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/clip.php?nid=5857
IMHO Nonthaburi is 15 Kms. NORTH of Bangkok's central area, not "15 kilometres south of Bangkok":
Traditional tricycles find their own space on modern roads
Whoever comes across this city market of Nonthaburi province, just 15 kilometres south of Bangkok, might be very surprised to see traditional tricycles standing out in roads crowded with modern cars.
Thavee Peungjab , a rider of atraditional tricycle for more than 20 years, said the tricycle was his life companion. Each day he earned around 800 baht, which was enough to feed all members of his family.
“If I’m getting too old to ride, I will stop. But now I am still strong, I will keep riding the tricycle. Many lives in my family lean on me.”, said Thavee
The fare starts from 15 baht but there is no fixed rate like with a taxi meter. Riders and passengers deal on the price to their satisfaction. However, if the distance is more than 10 kilometres, an extra cost will be charged as it means the rider can’t make as many rounds as usual.
Most tricycle passengers are elderly people and vendors, impressed with the good service of the riders. They also feel safer sitting in a slow-but-sure tricycle than a speedy zigzag taxi or tuk tuk. Tricycles also do not pollute the air.
“I take a tricycle because I want to help preserve the career of tricycle riding. Also, tricycles consume very little oil and don’t emit pollution. There are already too many cars on the streets and the air is polluted.”, said a tricycle passenger.
With day-to-day rising oil prices, the tricycle is an alternative transport for those seeking to reduce their cost of living.
However, for some others, the tricycle means so much more than that. It gives a feeling of long lost traditional Thai lifestyle in the 21st century.
Last Update : 2008-02-08, 2008-02-08 (GMT+7:00)