Why are Motorbikes so Popular in Thailand?
Why do so many people in Thailand ride motorcycles? This lesson explores the reasons: affordable prices, squeezing through narrow sois and traffic jams, saving on fuel, earning a living, and gaps in public transport. You’ll also hear about motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, how Thailand compares with Vietnam, Thailand’s compulsory motor insurance, and what tourists should watch out for when renting a motorbike.
Thai Vocabulary:
เถื่อน (thʉ̀an) – Illegal / Unregistered
สูสี (sǔu-sǐi) – Neck and neck / Evenly matched
เข้าถึงได้ (khâo thʉ̌ng dâai) – Accessible / Approachable
ความคล่องตัว (khwaam khlɔ̂ng tua) – Agility / Manoeuvrability
ยานพาหนะ (yaan-phaa-hà-ná) – Vehicle
วินมอเตอร์ไซค์ (win mɔɔ-təə-sai) – Motorcycle taxi
Words like these are explained with real-life examples throughout the lesson, so you can understand them in context and start using them yourself.