Just last week someone opened a forum thread about tuk-tuks and I made a negative remark that I never use them. Well, that's ALMOST true.

Over the weekend my 10 year old TV died. Various inquiries about getting it fixed were neither helpful nor encouraging. So today A0mmy joined me at Big C Saphan Kwai at 2:00 to check out new TV's.

After looking at more than a hundred different models on display, and running into John (hyper223) lookinig for a hand-held vacuum cleaner which he failed to find, I finally decided on which model I wanted. A new 21" Sony with all the bells and whistles.

Of course if you've ever bought a new TV you know that they come in grossly oversized carboard boxes. The sales clerk helped by wheeling it downstairs on a cart and mentioned that there is NO WAY that it would fit into a taxi! So how to get it home? By tuk-tuk of course!

Tuk-tuks have a gate that unfolds from the back and unusually large cargo loads can be placed and strapped there. In this case, a taxi would have cost me the minimum 35 baht and the tuk-tuk driver quoted 100 baht then finally settled on 80 baht. Okay, overpriced but this tiny vehicle more than proved to be mighty by getting me, A0mmy, and my new TV back to my place in one piece.

Tuk-tuks may be small, and often as annoying as their drivers, but when called upon can render a taxi-meter useless! Viva la tuk-tuks!

"...by getting me, A0mmy, and my new TV back to my place..."

Did you and A0mmy just watch TV?

Yeah Remarkable machines, most taxi drivers would turn there nose up anyhow.

Thanks Mike...One for me to remember for when I move there...

Khun_Sam: Actually we didn't watch TV at all. Just spent an hour and a half setting it up and figuring out how things work. After that, she went home. Very innocent, unfortunately.

Angel_Abi: Indeed.

JayJay: Tuk-tuks remind me of the awesome power of ants.

thomaswd: Yes, worth remembering.

Abi what were YOU thinking? Who's got the dirty mind here?

But now you got me thinking; ONE HOUR AND A HALF to set up a TV does seem a bit long, especially for an experienced man.

:-)

ohh no no no Khun lung mike i'm a tuk tuk phobia... next time u call me, i won't charge.. hehehe

Taxi - Meter, Nissan NV can help u out...and this kind of taxi are all around BKK.... i drive Nissan NV too... (Check my profile) no tuk tuk..... pls... my friend almost die in there (bad experience)

As for the price all you need is two or three tuktuks with nothing to do and a little downright pleading, even pathetic begging if necessary, and it gets resonable fast. Unfortuately I'm sure not all of them have that little gate. But I have to say I had the same experience. I'm sure the steering is not quite what it usually is with that load, but I got home in one piece I'm happy to say and just ahead of the rain.

Khun_Sam: Experienced man was watching inexperienced person learn. (Do you think I'm stupid?)

bCool: Yes, I don't like tuk-tuks either, but at times they can be awesome!

Angel_Master: As far as I know, all of them do. Last I knew there were three tuk-tuk manufacturers in Thailand.

dpuma18: hahahaha Well, the ones in Korat are home-grown!

The same thing happened to me when I bought my TV from Tesco Lotus. The tuk-tuk saved the day.

Saying that I haven't been in a tuk-tuk since. The thought of swallowing the exhaust fumes from passing buses doesn't appeal too much.

did anyone mention my name ???? hahahahahahahahaha for one and a half hour hmmmm we re tough!!! wahahahaha

Malky: Yes! Amazing huh?

A0mmy: I might have accidentally mentioned your name. Yah, we're tough!