I’ve said it before and doubtless I will say it again, Pattaya is an amazing place for taking photos, I can’t recall the number of times I’ve cursed myself for not having my camera with me.
Anyway, I was taking a walk up Jomtien Beach Road looking to get a few photos of Jomtien Beach, fortune was on my side and I spotted what I can only describe as the “wackiest”, most extreme, insanely colorful buses I have ever seen in Pattaya, or anywhere in Thailand come to that. Just take a look at the pictures and I’m sure you’ll agree.
First thing that you notice about these Thai buses is the striking colors and decoration, but the real “wow” factor hits you when you walk to the front of the bus, “LIGHTS”. I don’t know what the proper term is but I counted 101 driving lamps, fog lamps or spotlights, 30 led lights, 11 colored flashing lights, and besides them there were 24 assorted speakers, (see photo above).
Brightly painted buses and coaches are the norm in Thailand, as indeed are brightly painted wagons and trucks, Thai buses are decorated with a host of symbols and characters including serpents, eagles, Disney cartoon characters and Japanese cartoon characters.
For me though, these ones really stand out from the crowd, this is “Extreme Thai Transport” or maybe it would be more appropriate to call them the Thai Chariots of Light.
There is one little thing which would concern me if I was a passenger on this bus, there isn’t much room for the driver to see through the windscreen. Doubtless there must be many Buddhist amulets, and even a mini shrine perched on the dashboard and on the front upper deck, so no need to worry !!.