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THE TUK-TUK OF THAILAND
The tuk-tuk is the Southeast Asian version of a vehicle known elsewhere as an auto rickshaw or cabin cycle. It is a widely used form of urban transport in Bangkok and other Thai cities, as well as other major South East Asian cities. Tuk-tuks were introduced in Brighton, England on 10th July 2006, where a fleet of twelve operate using compressed natural gas, as the first motorised rickshaw service in Europe, between Brighton Marina and Hove, via Brighton railway station.The tuk-tuk may have a sheet metal body or open frame with canvas roof and drop-down sides. Some have ornate tin ornamental hammerings or carvings for decoration. The roof may be either mild steel or a water proofed canvas, riveted to round tubing. Water proof removable sides can be added in the rainy season. Resting on three small wheels, there is a small cabin for the driver in the front and seating for three in relative comfort in the rear. Tuk-tuks are generally fitted with a water cooled two-stroke engine. The tuk-tuk is named after the sound its two-stroke engine makes when it is idling.
Tuk-tuk drivers may have migrated from the provinces and have a reputation for not knowing the city in which they work very well, therefore getting people lost. In Bangkok, there is now a maximum fee which drivers may not exceed. As with all unmetered transport, not agreeing to a fee before departure can risk unethical practice by the driver.
Drivers also earn money by having advertising posters and placards on their tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuk drivers can earn fuel vouchers or other commissions by diverting passengers to certain businesses that cater to tourists, possibly against the passenger's expressed wishes. Most drivers also decorate their tuk-tuks with religious charms and small Buddha images.
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