Motorcycle taxi drivers in Chon Buri have been ordered to switch back to their traditional orange vests after just five days in blue ones.

The reversal follows public concerns about road safety, the cost of new uniforms and the political implications of the colour change.

Chon Buri governor Naris Niramaiwong signed the revocation on Thursday, cancelling an earlier announcement that required public motorcycle taxi drivers in Bang Lamung district to wear dark blue vests, which began last Friday.

The cancellation cited concerns about visibility at night and the cost of buying new uniforms, reportedly priced at 550 baht each. It also noted that orange vests were already widely recognised and more visible.

The reversal followed public complaints about the colour change. Discussions began in 2025 after complaints in 2025 about unregistered motorcycle taxi drivers.

Local authorities last year held informal discussions with riders to explore ways to address the problem and distinguish registered drivers from unauthorised operators.

An announcement prescribing dark blue vests for public motorcycle taxi drivers in Bang Lamung was issued last November, with implementation scheduled for this month.

One driver in Pattaya, Walaiporn Saengkot, questioned how changing the colour of the vests would address the problems drivers actually faced.

Ms Walaiporn said operators were already struggling to compete with app-based ride-hailing services, which had drawn passengers away from traditional motorcycle taxi stands.

The issue has attracted political attention because the two colours involved are associated with rival political parties. Dark blue is the signature colour of the governing Bhumjaithai Party, while orange is associated with the People’s Party.

Before Thursday, some drivers had switched to blue vests while others continued wearing orange ones. Questions remain about who will reimburse drivers who had already paid for new blue vests.