Pattaya: Motorbike taxis now wear blue vests instead of orange

Contents of this article3 sections

1. New colour, new rules
2. Why tourists are confused
3. What this means for you

New colour, new rules

If you get on a motorbike taxi in Pattaya, look for blue instead of orange from now on. Since 16 October, the drivers have been wearing new vests. The city has switched 5,281 registered drivers to the new colour.

Each vest shows which stand the driver is registered at, plus the wearer’s name. The city wants to identify official drivers more quickly and to enforce minimum service standards.

Why tourists are confused

The drivers themselves are not happy. A vest costs them 550 baht, and not everyone has received one yet. Anyone still riding in orange often looks to guests like a driver without a licence. On top of that, there is pressure from ride-hailing apps, which have long been part of everyday life in Pattaya. The drivers say that tourists have trouble recognising the new colour and use an app instead.

What this means for you

• Blue vest with stand and name: registered driver.
• Orange vest: during the changeover, this can be a driver who is still waiting for their new vest. From the outside, you cannot tell the difference.
• Always agree the price before you get on, whatever the colour.
• If you would rather have a fixed price and a car: Grab shows the price in the app beforehand.

You can find general tips on taxis, tuk-tuks and rental scooters in the guide Getting around in Thailand. What else Pattaya has to offer is in the destination guide to Pattaya.

Sources: Pattaya Mail, Khaosod English and Thaiger, October 2026.