Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Thai Police Tchotchkes

When I saw these ceramic knickknacks that resemble cops in a taxi, I knew right away that the driver was somehow associated with the Royal Thai Police. As it turns out, he had just retired from the force last year and was driving a taxi to stay out of trouble and to make some extra cash. Then he mentioned that I can give him a call if I ever get into any trouble myself, so I took his phone number. You never know when you might need some help from short guys with little round spectacles and no necks.  

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

iTaxi

It seems like everyone in Bangkok has an iPhone these days. Even the taxi driver who drove me to work today has one. The entire time I was in his cab, he was checking his messages and taking a peek at various phone apps. At one point, I noticed that he was looking at Google Maps and then he confessed that he hadn't been driving a taxi very long and wasn't sure where he was going. When I asked him about his previous job, it all made sense when he told me that he used to sell iPhones.         

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Call Me

In general, there's no need to call for a taxi in Bangkok, as they're readily available throughout the day and night in most areas. But if you like the personality of a certain cabby, trust a driver's chauffeuring skills more than others, or need a regular driver to take you to work every day, you might consider calling this guy. His number is emblazoned across the dashboard just in case you want to give him a ring.   

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Energy in a Can

Today, my cabby was full of vim and vigor. He was talking a mile a minute and driving like we were in the Grand Prix. Then I realized that he had been guzzling can after can of "Birdie" brand coffee the entire time I was in the taxi. I understand that it takes a fair amount of energy to drive strangers around the busy city of Bangkok, but considering how much caffeine the taxi driver consumed, he could have jumped out and pushed the car the whole way.   

Friday, November 2, 2012

Royal Barge Procession

The only moving vehicles that I photographed today were boats. You see, this afternoon I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the Royal Barge Procession gliding down the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok in preparation for the 85th birthday celebration of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The last time that this type of procession was organized was in 2006, so it's a rare occasion. Comprised of a flotilla of fifty-two traditional Thai-style barges with a total of 2,200 sailors on board, it was indeed a spectacular sight. I still have goosebumps. If you're based in Bangkok or are visiting and missed it, don't worry. Today was just a dress rehearsal. The official procession is on Friday, November 9th. Tickets are available here if you want to watch it in comfort from the Royal Thai Navy Pavilion, or alternatively, you can view it from various public spots along the river.