Sutthisan Tuk Tuk Garages - อู่ตุ๊กตุ๊ก สุทธิสาร
The iconic three-wheeled transportation has been synonymous with Bangkok for decades, and the northern part of the city is home to a number of garages specializing in various needs for their chauffeurs. Leasing or daily rental options are available for around 250 baht per day, a price that hasn't changed much over the last 20 years. In addition to this, there are mechanics and housing facilities available. By law all drivers must register with the Department of Land Transport to obtain a license. In recent years, tuk-tuks have faced competition from various private companies, especially the newly arrived electric tuk-tuks called MuvMi, which also offer a modern online service has caused tensions.
However, not everyone is losing faith in the classic red and blue moped. In Soi 29, a new driver has recently arrived from Roi Et in Esaan. Wave (22), named after his favorite Honda Wave, has taken over his father's tuk-tuk, as he switched to a conventional taxi. Wave is the youngest driver in the garage, "something you rarely see on the streets anymore," says the owner. He now lives with his mom and dad further out in Nonthaburi, where the cost of living is more affordable. Their daily routine involves leaving home together in the morning, preparing the vehicles for the day in the garage, and returning home in the evening. Wave is still getting used to life in the big city, with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He hopes to start driving at night soon and perhaps personalize the tuk-tuk, maybe even adding a sound system.
Further down in Soi 12 is another family-owned garage that originally started as a fabric wholesaler mainly around Pahurad and Sampheng. They often hired tuk-tuks for transportation, however after one of the drivers eventually stole some fabric, the family turned their attention to establishing their own fleet of tuk-tuks. But times have changed, and the garage is now struggling to recruit new drivers, with the number of mechanics decreasing from five to just one part-time. The transportation sector in Bangkok has undergone rapid transformations in recent years, and tuk-tuks have shifted from holding a complete monopoly to primarily serving as a tourist attraction.
