Rebel alliance: Bangkok’s motortaxi drivers aid Thai protesters
BANGKOK: Orange-vested drivers of motorbike taxis have become allies to Thailand’s prodemocracy protesters gathering across traffic-snarled Bangkok, offering lifts and keeping an eye out for trouble.
When authorities shut down train lines this month in an effort to curb daily rallies, drivers of the capital’s motortaxis came to the rescue, ferrying stranded protesters to demonstration sites.
But they have long waited on the sidelines of the youthled movement, cheering student leaders on as they demanded the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha and issued unprecedented calls for reform to the kingdom’s monarchy.
“I root for these kids,” said driver Supatr Manapornsiri, 41, adding that he keeps his prices low because he supports their goals.
“My income has increased a bit,” he told AFP, saying it jumps from 1,000 baht (US$32) a day to 1,300-1,400 during protests.
Another driver Pakin Kamhamauk, 44, sometimes even grants free rides.
“If they happen to have no money then that’s fine,” he said.
Motortaxis may appear a haphazard transport option for Bangkok’s traffic-clogged roads, but there is order in the chaos, with passengers lining up on specific street corners to wait for drivers.
Congregating around demonstrations in their signature orange vests, the drivers are also helpful as look-outs.
In October, when authorities deployed water cannon for the first time since protests kicked off in July, it was the drivers who rushed to provide early warnings and later blockaded some roads so activists could safely escape riot police.
Supatr said he worries for the mostly young protesters, who have rallied peacefully for their goals.
“They’re well-disciplined. They don’t go off to do stupid things,” he said.
Thailand has a history of street politics turning violent, with massive demonstrations in the past prompting tough crackdowns from authorities. — AFP