January 9, 200719 yr Why is it that I never see a farang driving a Tuk-Tuk. I don't know much about them, so I am sure I will be soon enlightened. On the surface, it appears they would be cheap, around town transportation for 1,2 or 3 folks (better than a motorcy & cheaper to buy & operate than a car?) Am I all wet? Me thinks I will soon find the answer to my query....
January 9, 200719 yr Hi Have a look at this, a Danish guy drove from Thailand to Denmark. It was 18.000 km http://www.tuktuk.dk/c_front.htm
January 9, 200719 yr Author I'll take your word for it....I don't read Danish. Nice pictures, though. OK, so 1 farang drives a Tuk-Tuk. Why not more?
January 9, 200719 yr Because its frickin hot? I prefer the air con myself. Less exhaust fumes as well.
January 9, 200719 yr There is a few farang driving tuk tuks, a few here in Pattaya, not as many as there was a few years back tho, Ive driven one myself, not as much fun to drive as you think, lot's of gear changing, I know a farang who was trying to sell one if your interested, needs some work as it hassent been used in a longtime !
January 16, 200719 yr Author Not interested at the moment, but it seems like a reasonable compromise between the cost of a motorcycle & a car, especially for around town driving. Safer than a motorcycle I would guess.
January 16, 200719 yr there is a fresh thread http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?sh...=101458&hl= some farang sells it for 40 000 - but it might be oldie http://www.udonmap.com/udonthaniforum/viewtopic.php?t=2338 "insurance is only 400bt a year no registration needed no license plate required no international drivers license required less chance of a car killing you no motorcycle to motorcycle accidents motorbikes go around you cheap on gas you can haul lots of stuff taxi your friends around police dont want to stop you "
January 16, 200719 yr Author Yes, I saw that and that prompted me to resurect this thread. I appreciate the insight on tuk-tuks for sale, but my OP was why do we not see more farang driving tuk-tuks? Is there a reason that I am missing? They seem very practical/cost effective to me. Enquiring minds want to know.
January 17, 200719 yr even thais don't have them for a private use - at least in Bangkok, and don't remember seeing any of them in Pattaya even as a form of taxi transport. so maybe they are not that cheap/safe/easy/comfortable to drive comparing to cars. I would imagine you can get a second hand car for some 150k - the cost of a new tuk tuk
January 18, 200719 yr Fuels cheap but limited availablity of LPG outside of Bangkok is a problem. Also they are crap at going round corners. Back strain and they are uncomfortable in long distances. The exhaust stinks to high heaven and unless you've got ear plugs driving a long time will give you serious ear ache. You also can't cross-filter through traffic like a bike can. Transporting stuff is easier on a Tuk-Tuk than a bike and it gives you some protection against the rain and damage. Its a bit of a white elephant in some ways.
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