Pattaya motorcycle taxis return to orange vests after blue uniform reversal

What has changed

Motorcycle taxi drivers in Pattaya and Bang Lamung are returning to their familiar orange vests after Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong cancelled the requirement to wear dark blue. The reversal was signed on 22 October 2026, according to Thai PBS World and The Pattaya News.

For residents and visitors, the decision changes how one of the area’s most visible short-distance transport services identifies itself. It follows complaints that the new colour confused passengers and placed an extra expense on drivers.

What has changed

Thai PBS World reports that the governor revoked the blue jacket order and directed public motorcycle taxi riders in Bang Lamung to return to orange under the Department of Land Transport’s general requirements. The latest order cited unnecessary costs associated with replacement vests and equipment.

The Pattaya News says the blue scheme covered 5,281 registered drivers. It had only recently been introduced locally before the cancellation, leaving some operators having bought new vests for roughly 550 baht.

Why drivers objected

Local reporting described concerns about visibility after dark and passengers failing to recognise motorcycle taxi operators. Pattaya Mail’s nighttime comparison found orange more conspicuous in the conditions observed, but explicitly described this as an informal observation rather than a standardised safety test.

Those accounts should not be read as proof that a particular accident was caused by a vest colour. They explain the objections raised during the brief transition.

What passengers and drivers should check

Passengers arranging a journey should confirm the destination and fare before setting off and use an appropriate helmet. A vest colour alone is not a reason to skip checking who is providing the ride.

Drivers seeking help with replacement costs should check current instructions through their taxi stand or local authorities. The Pattaya News reported offers of replacement orange vests, but did not identify a confirmed cash refund procedure. Reimbursement should therefore not be assumed.