p’win 32
if you’ve been to the Kingdom of Thailand, you’ll have seen the orange vested motorcycle riders. these riders are taxi drivers, just on a different mode of transport known to much of the western world. you can get a Win on most main sidewalks where there is a stand or simply by waving an unoccupied Win down anywhere.
the name ‘Win’ comes from the idea that the motorcycle will always be victorious up against the traditional taxi car. Trueplookplanya.com says that by bringing the motorcycle to park first, first served. As for who comes later, they continue to park. similar to horse riding competitions, the word "Win" began to replace the meaning of the car posture or car queue. (2).
“Bangkok currently has 5,343 licensed motorcycle drivers and 89,292 motorcycle drivers. The districts with the most wins are Chatuchak, Din Daeng, Watthana, Bang Khun Thian and Bang Kapi, respectively.” (1).
in my experience, they have always been welcoming of farangs (even with limited Thai speaking skills), friendly and highly efficient. i’ve always made it to my destination in one piece, they know these streets off the back of their hands. i’ve never been late, even in the blistering Bangkok peak hour traffic to an appointment for dinner reservation. p’win is always able to dodge and weave. they know every alleyway, shortcut, neighbourhood and BTS/MRT station. people have described them as modern day knights. with that, I don’t beg to differ.
thank you p’win 32 for letting me take your portrait.
