How long have you had this job? Why have you chosen to be a motorcycle taxi driver?
I have been doing this for eight years. I chose to do it because I was unemployed at that time. I like it because my family and I can live on this job, and it’s my own business—no stupid boss. Most of all, making more money depends on me being diligent!

How do you become a motorcycle taxi driver?
First of all you have to deal with an agency that you want to work with. If they agree to work with you, you have to register at the Department of Land Transport and get a motorcycle taxi license. You can’t just sit on a corner in a motorcycle taxi uniform any more.

How many clients do you service per day? What’s your income?
Normally I work from the late morning until 9pm. I give about 100 rides and make about B300 per day. I prefer to drive on main roads because you can make more money there than in the smaller sois. I also have an overtime job picking up people late at night.

Have you ever had trouble with gangsters?
Not with gangsters but my friends and I had an encounter when a big agency tried to take us over… But I have no idea if other motorcycle taxis have had trouble with gangsters at all. I think the problem has actually been fixed by the policy of the Thaksin government, so it should be better now.

Have you ever had any weird clients?
Some. This well dressed guy once asked me to give him a ride to MBK and when we were almost there, he just jumped off and ran away! I didn’t want to lose my wage so I tried to catch him but he got away. It was a waste of time. Another time a client asked me up to his place and offered to give me more than I charged him. It was weird! I said, “no thanks.” I’m always afraid of thieves robbing my motorcycle when it’s dark.

What’s needed to be a good motorcycle taxi driver?
Being a skillful driver is absolutely necessary. Moreover, you should be judicious, safe, and always take good care of your customers and yourself. The job is quite dangerous so you have to be focused at all times. I don’t give rides to drunks because it’s just too dangerous. I always tell them to take a taxi instead.

How do you think people perceive motorcycle taxi drivers?
I think most of people look down on me but there’s nothing I can do about that. I don’t understand why they walk all over me while others treat me well by giving me more money.