Thai taxis come in a vibrant palette of colours, like a moving rainbow on wheels. But there’s more to this taxi technicolour dreamcoat than meets the eye. Each color actually tells a story about who owns the car and how it operates.
While other cities may favour a uniform look, Thailand’s taxi scene breaks the mould. From pinks that pop to deep blues and bold oranges, our taxis are not just transport, they’re a unique part of urban culture. But far from being random, these colours are coded, giving passengers insight into the vehicle’s ownership and operation.
Two-tone taxis: The independent drivers
The most recognizable of Thai taxis might be the green and yellow ones. These two-tone cabs are not linked to a taxi cooperative or company. Instead, they’re privately owned and operated by individual drivers. Owning the car means the driver is self-employed, running their own small business on wheels. These taxis offer a more personal touch and are often well-maintained by drivers who take pride in their investment.
Solid Colors: The Taxi Cooperatives
Single-colored taxis, on the other hand, are owned by larger taxi companies or cooperatives. Each color represents a specific group, giving a quick visual clue about the operator behind the wheel. Here’s a simple guide to the most common ones:
Pink – Sahamit Taxi Cooperative
Blue – Thai Taxi Cooperative
Orange – Bowon Taxi Cooperative
Yellow – Samakkhitham Taxi Cooperative
These cooperatives often lease vehicles to drivers who may not be able to afford a taxi of their own. The color coding helps companies and passengers track which group a taxi belongs to, which can be especially useful in case of lost items or service complaints.
So, the next time you hop into a Thai taxi, take a moment to notice the color. Whether it’s a solo driver in a green-yellow cab or a cooperative car in bright pink or blue, the shade tells you something about who’s taking you on your journey.
And while the colors vary, one thing should stay consistent: that the meter is on, always a must for a fair priced ride.
Tip: You are less likely to get scammed in a Green/Yellow taxi!