Bangkok’s diverse transport system is a testament to its bustling atmosphere. Mopeds are used around the city as taxis and delivery vans loaded up with so much stuff it’s a wonder they can still ride the damn things. Tuk-tuks are everywhere and they are covered in lights with music playing; then the buses, which have two speeds, 100 miles an hour and stop; you have to have your wits about you to not only to use the buses but to keep an eye out for one when crossing the roads. This is just the start of the transport around the city of Bangkok; you have taxis, bikes, pickup trucks carrying workers to and from work, market stalls that the locals ride to their pitch, the trains which are massive monsters, then there’s the MRT, BTS and Metro, which I would guess is Bangkok’s newest transport system.
Add all the above together, and the city is crazy. There are so many opportunities for a street photographer, and at the same time, it’s almost impossible to capture fleeting moments. Everything moves at a ridiculous speed, by the time I would see a moment worth capturing, it had already passed me by. I was getting a bit frustrated, so I changed up my thought process and refocused. I would find areas of the city to wait for the moments to come to me, and even this was challenging. But it was a challenge I was up for, and it wasn’t long before I started capturing good moments.
The roads in Bangkok are never quiet, its wall to wall traffic 24 hours a day seven days a week and I have no idea how people get to where they are going it must take hours to drive a few miles. Traffic lights and crossings are often chaotic, with drivers frequently disregarding red lights and you know what, I loved it. I really did love the craziness of Bangkok, it put a smile on my face everyday, sometimes I would stand on one of the many skywalks and just watch the madness unfold below me.
Most of Bangkok’s transport system is outdated and appears worn. The vibrant colours and the meticulous care with which the Thai people maintain it are remarkable. Their unwavering commitment to using the infrastructure despite its age is a testament to their resourcefulness. The west could learn so much from the Thai people.
I haven’t mentioned boats yet, we travelled extensively up and down Bangkok’s rivers. Despite this I only took a handful of photos. I’d like to spend more time on the river during our next visit and hopefully take more photos.
My wife and I were in Bangkok for two and half weeks and in that time I only saw one accident, guess we was lucky.
Both of us are returning to Bangkok at the start of 2027, and honestly, I can’t wait to get back into the madness of it all. I really do hope Bangkok doesn’t change.
