Why Bangkok’s Taxis Are Color-Coded (And What It Really Means)

Decode the city’s bright taxi system and discover who's behind the wheel.

Welcome to The Bangkok Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Bangkok's Colorful Taxi Secret

  • Authentic Bangkok street food away from tourist crowds at Wang Lang Market

  • MUST VISIT! Retro Market at Hua Lamphong

  • Thailand's Uniform Obsession

  • And more…

Fun Fact

Bangkok's Colorful Taxi Secret

Source: Amusing Planet

Those vibrant taxis aren't just pretty – each color represents a different company!

Single Colors = Different Companies Pink taxis belong to Sahamit Cooperative, blue ones to Thai Taxi Cooperative, orange to Bowon, and yellow to Samakkhitham. These cooperatives lease cars to drivers who can't afford their own vehicle. The color system helps track which company a taxi belongs to – handy for complaints or lost items.

Two-toned Taxis = Independent Drivers The iconic two-tone green and yellow taxis are privately owned by individual drivers running their own business. Since they own their cars, these drivers often take better care of their vehicles and provide more personal service.

Trivia

The Answer to your Trivia last week = A) 45.4°C

Here’s your trivia question of the week! Think you know the answer? Find out if you’re right in next week’s newsletter. No cheating!

What is the lowest temperature Bangkok has ever experienced?

A) 14°C

B) 15°C

C) 16°C

D) 20°C

News 📰

Bangkok Gears Up for Thailand's Largest Ever Pride Parade (Link)

Bangkok taxi tale: No meter, no licence either (Link)

Thai-Cambodian collaboration continues in anniversary year (Link)

Bangkok tops the world for remote work, fast internet and stunning scenery (Link)

Lifestyle 🕶️

💪 Health & Wellness

Veganerie Soul - offers an incredible plant-based dining experience with generous portions and extensive menu options. The standout wonton soup features exceptionally flavorful broth, while their famous waffles are absolutely divine and a must-order. The team creates a warm atmosphere where love for cooking shines through in every dish, from tasty wraps to hearty lasagna. Their vegan desserts provide the perfect guilt-free ending to this satisfying feast. (Link)

Wild Grains Bakery - is a charming home-style bakery producing exceptional fresh bread crafted with passion. Their impressive selection includes healthy, gluten-free, and vegan options that never compromise on taste. The homemade spreads add an extra touch of care, while warm, welcoming staff create an atmosphere where quality and hospitality go hand in hand. (Link)

Star Pilates & Yoga Fly Bangkok - stands out with intimate fitness instruction and small class sizes. Pilates classes are capped at six participants, allowing for personalized attention and proper form corrections. Patient instructors provide guidance in both English and Thai, creating a beginner-friendly environment perfect for safe, effective practice improvement. (Link)

🍽️ Restaurants

KHAAN Thai Fine Dining Restaurant - elevates traditional Thai cuisine with their thoughtful 11-course tasting menu. The innovative Tom Kha oyster comes in both clear and creamy versions, while the duck curry delivers rich flavors with perfectly crispy textures. Each dish showcases modern techniques while maintaining authentic Thai flavors, with warm, genuine service enhancing the memorable experience. (Link)

Bianca Italian Restaurant (Emsphere) - brings authentic Italian flavors with standout dishes like salmon avocado pâté and spectacular truffle pasta. The Capricciosa pizza impresses with quality ingredients and perfect crust, while generous portions ensure great value. Don't miss the aromatic truffle risotto and truffle bruschetta for a truly indulgent experience. (Link)

A. Elbasha Halal Lebanese & Turkish Restaurant (Asok Branch) - serves authentic Middle Eastern flavors using high-quality, fresh ingredients. The beef shawarma and tender lamb kebab burst with rich, satisfying flavors. The dessert experience becomes special when paired with complimentary tea service that beautifully balances sweetness and creates a complete cultural dining experience. (Link)

☕ Cafes

RISE COFFEE - Flagship Store - earns its reputation through consistent quality, with standout mocha featuring rich cacao and creamy texture. The minimalist, spacious interior provides a refreshing indie alternative to chain cafes. Their Matcha Muscat offers unique, refreshing flavors, while heated cinnamon buns showcase excellent pastry skills. (Link)

Artis Coffee Bangkok - delivers some of Bangkok's finest coffee in a beautiful, relaxing environment. Their smooth, bold house blend showcases expert roasting skills. The outdoor patio provides lovely people-watching, especially on weekends, while fresh croissants with quality butter complement the strong coffee beans perfectly. (Link)

🍹 Bar & Rooftop Bars

Dope & Dirty - caters to hip-hop enthusiasts with energetic atmosphere and skilled DJs creating memorable sets. The nightclub draws diverse international crowds, particularly on packed Friday and Saturday nights. Clean facilities, reasonable pricing, and friendly Thai staff contribute to the welcoming vibe for hip-hop and EDM music lovers. (Link)

JOMO BAR | Bangkok Rooftop bar ร้านนั่งชิวดนตรีสดติด BTS สนามเป้า - offers intimate rooftop experience near BTS Sanampao with three live bands performing daily. Located on the 7th floor with limited seating (reservations essential), this cozy venue attracts stylish young professionals. Reasonable prices make excellent food, attentive service, and quality entertainment accessible, with personal owner attention ensuring guest satisfaction. (Link)

👫 Activities

May 29th to June 7th I 16:00 - 23:00 I Retro Market at Hua Lamphong - transforms the railway station area into a nostalgic wonderland. This temporary market offers vintage shopping, unique street food, and affordable prices beside scenic Phadung Krung Kasem Canal. It captures Bangkok's creative spirit while celebrating retro culture. (Link)

💎 Hidden Gems

Wang Lang Market - represents authentic Bangkok street food away from tourist crowds. Operating daily 7 AM to 7 PM beside Siriraj Hospital, this bustling market serves locals and savvy travelers. The scenic boat journey from Tha Chang Pier adds adventure to culinary exploration, offering incredible variety at local prices with genuine atmosphere that guidebooks often miss. (Link)

Social 👥


🥳 Social Events & Networking

June 3rd I 18:00 - 22:00 I Bangkok Entrepreneur / Wantrepreneurs and Angel Investors Meetup @ The Deck Bangkok (Link)

June 4th I 10:00 - 16:00 I Ladies’ Coworking Meetup @ THE COFFEE CLUB Wireless Road (Link)

June 6th I 20:00 - 23:00 I Special event make new friends & Latin night ( Mami rose ) rooftop bar (Link)

June 7th I 11:00 - 12:30 I Workshop – The Art of Networking - Soft Skills Workshop (Link)

June 7th I 12:00 - 14:30 I Health Talks & Bites - Longevity Lunch (Link)

June 7th I 1:00 - 21:00 I Red Bull Dance Your Style: National Final Thailand 2025 (Link)

June 8th I 7:30 - 19:30 I Thai Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) Chachoengsao เทศกาลงานบุญบั้งไฟ ฉะเชิงเทรา (Link)

🌏 Exhibitions & Expos

June 4th to June 6th I June 4-5: 10:00 - 18:00; June 6: 10:00- 16 :00 I CIOSH @BITEC - EH103 - 104 (Link)

June 4th to June 7th I 10:00 - 19:00 I Thailand Franchise & Business Opportunities (TFBO 2025) @BITEC - EH100 (Link)

June 5th to June 6th I The ASEAN Pan-Asia China Commodities Exhibition 2025 @BITEC - EH101 (Link)

Today’s Expat Story 🗺️

Mei’s Story (Singapore – Food Blogger & Language Explorer)

Mei moved to Bangkok to deepen her culinary blog's reach but found herself equally fascinated by the language and culture. Immersing herself in daily market visits, she began learning Central Thai and then dabbled in Isaan dialects through local cooking classes. Her blog now highlights regional Thai dishes with linguistic and cultural insights. “Language connects you to flavors on a whole new level,” she explains. Bangkok has become her creative playground, where every bite tells a deeper story. Her motto: “Eat, learn, share.”

Thailand: Culture & History 🇹🇭

Thailand's Uniform Obsession

Ever noticed how everyone in Thailand wears uniforms? From school kids to 7-Eleven staff – there's a uniform for everything!

This tradition started with King Chulalongkorn's modernization efforts. Those name tags aren't just decoration – they represent Thailand's deep respect for hierarchy and belonging. Even government workers dress extra sharp on Mondays for a reason!

Thai uniforms aren't just clothes – they're symbols of pride and social identity. 

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