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“You’re going by taxi,” sked the lady, “That’s 200 Baht! Take songthaew 8. It costs nine Baht.”

That was one of my first songthaew experiences in Khon Kaen, Thailand. When translated, songthaew means ‘two rows’, named by the two benches hammered into the modified pick-up truck. Each seats 12 and about eight more standing.

Main bus stations contain route information of songthaew services, but locals usually ask the songthaew drivers directly. While it doesn’t offer first-class comfort, the songthaew’s system of operation is convenient. They are similar to buses, except that there are no designated stops. Commuters flag it down when they see one, and alight by pressing a bell. The driver then promptly stops along the road.

Fares are mostly fixed. It’s five Baht for children, six for students, and nine for adults. After six pm, everyone pays a flat rate of nine Baht. Drivers can take you to your exact destination when there are no other passengers on board, but be prepared to pay slightly more.

The songthaew is a win-win for those who are game to try an alternate form of transport. You get to your destination for less than a tenth of a taxi fare, and venture to smaller roads and villages known only to locals.

TWO ROWS APART

Mastering one of Thailand’s lesser-known public transport systems

By ---------Vincent Lok

Songthaews are similar to buses,

except that commuters can alight whenever

they want along the specified route.

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