Fifty `greener' tuk-tuks to hit streets soon

BANGKOK: -- The first batch of cheaper and more environmentally-friendly tuk-tuks will hit the market next month under the state Tuk-Tuk Ua-Arthorn (affordable) project. Under the scheme, which is a joint venture between the Energy Ministry and Monika Motors Limited, the country's major manufacturer and distributor of tuk-tuks, 2,500 of the vehicles will be produced and sold with low-interest loans.

Branded as an energy-saving and non-polluting vehicle, the new tuk-tuk will use a four-stroke 650cc engine with two cylinders, designed for natural gas instead of conventional liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is more expensive.

Chumras Virojanapa, president of Monika Motors Limited, said tuk-tuk drivers will find the new vehicles affordable. They will go for 170,000 baht each.

He said he has talked to the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank) about issuing low interest rate loans to tuk-tuk drivers who want to own the vehicles.

``The loan scheme would allow tuk-tuk drivers to pay instalments of no more than 150 baht a day, which is cheaper than the rent they are now paying,'' he said. The current rental fee for tuk-tuks is 400 baht per day.

He assured drivers of their quality and safety standards, saying the natural gas engine is more environmentally friendly and will help them save money.

Tuk-tuk drivers welcomed the project, saying they have been waiting for a chance to have their own vehicles. Kunjiem Thammakhantiviriya, vice-chairman of the Thai Tuk-Tuk Tricycle Drivers Association, said 1,500 members would join the project.

``Renting a tuk-tuk at 400 baht a day is expensive. Some days we cannot make enough for the rent. It's our dream to have our own vehicles,'' said Mr Kunjiem.

Bangkok has about 7,400 tuk-tuks, most of which are rented.

Mr Chumras said the first batch of 50 tuk-tuks would be ready in January.

--Bangkok Post 2005-12-17

'Wheels of Kindness' tuk-tuk for poor is ready to roll, and rarin' to go

BANGKOK: -- Visitors from around the world have come to know and love the energy-packed and highly maneuverable Thai-made 'tuk-tuk' -- a three-wheeled motorised vehicle that for many is a symbol synonomous with Thailand.

And now the government's special act of kindness for low-income families who need its practical--and friendly--transportation has resulted in the Eua Ar-thorn "Wheels of Kindness" tuk-tuk.

A tough two-cycle motor gives the noisy little conveyance its characteristic "tuk-tuk" sound, and the project is racing its engines and ready to roll after the 2500th 'Tuk-Tuk for the Poor' rolled off the assembly line, Vice Minister for Energy Paichit Thienpaitoon said in Bangkok Friday.

Mr. Paichit said the last of 2,500 tuk-tuks assembled under a unique government project to make more affordable vehicles for low-income drivers has been completed and is ready to roll, and hit the road -- perhaps even with a squeal of new tyres making music with the pavement, and happy passengers.

"This is the only model of tuk-tuk the project produces. It has a 660cc engine using natural gas for vehicles (NGV) as fuel," he said, adding that each tuk-tuk costs Bt170,000 (US$4,250).

Tuk-tuk motors are known for being tough, durable and easy to service, Mr. Paichit said, and this model has Japanese-made engines which have passed more than 10,000 hours of testing.

The "Wheels of Kindness" Eua Ar-thorn tuk-tuk for the poor boasts energy savings while causing less air pollution, accordng to the vice minister. NGV is cheaper, he said, than diesel as it costs Bt8.50/kg while diesel costs Bt23.09 per litre.

The low-income tuk-tuks can be legally registered next year after the Land Transport Department amends the law, he said. And tuk-tuks are much cheaper than automobiles, he said.

Tuk-tuk drivers wanting to join the project can apply for credit at Krung Thai Bank, the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME Bank), he said.

The project offers affordable vehicles to low-income drivers who can now get behind the wheel--or steering column--themselves.

--TNA 2005-12-17

I want to buy a tuk tuk. I doubt that is possible though but it would be fun.

I want to buy a tuk tuk.  I doubt that is possible though but it would be fun.

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there is nothing stopping you as far as I know.

Where does one buy one? I saw one on ebay shipped from thailand.

Either ask a Tuktuk driver or ask tuktukmike on tv.He exports them.