For countless years, the vivid pink Pho Thong buses have cruised the streets of Phuket, serving as both a practical mode of transport and an emblem of the town’s vibrant culture. With their distinctive design—featuring converted six-wheeled flatbed trucks adorned with wooden bench seats and railings—these buses were an essential part of daily life in Phuket. Sadly, their era has come to an end, ushered out by the arrival of 24 brand new electric buses from China, each boasting a hefty price tag of over 5 million baht.
This transport revolution marks a pivotal shift for Phuket Town, with the native Pho Thong buses, introduced in April 2008 under the guidance of Paiboon Upatising, taking a final bow. The buses were more than mere vehicles; they were a tribute to the rich ethnic Chinese heritage in Phuket Town. The name “Pho Thong” itself is a spirited nod to the Hokkien pronunciation of the Mandarin term 普通 (pǔtōng), which translates to “ordinary,” a testament to their modest yet esteemed role parallel to the blue songthaew buses.
Characteristic of Phuket’s provincial flair, the pink hue of the Pho Thong buses was impossible to miss. However, as confirmed by Rewat Areerob, the current President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), the last Pho Thong made its journey on June 4 on the Red Line from Chalong Pier to the popular SuperCheap store in Ratsada. But rather than fading into oblivion, these iconic buses have been bestowed upon local schools, temples, mosques, and charitable organizations as relics of a nostalgic era, with a potential for a fresh coat of paint.
Transitioning to the future, the blue and white electric vehicles (EVs) have taken up the mantle of public transport in Phuket. The shift, although tinged with a sense of nostalgia, is a leap towards sustainability, resonating with Rewat’s call for the community to embrace change for the betterment of the environment and long-term cost efficiency. Unlike their predecessors, these EV buses promise enhanced comfort, a boon especially during the notorious rainy seasons when the open-air structure of the Pho Thong buses left much to be desired.
These modern buses have seamlessly picked up where the Pho Thong routes left off, with seven buses now covering the Yellow Line from Saphan Hin to Central Phuket, another seven traversing the Green Line from Ratsada Pier to Baan Kathu School, and 10 diligently serving the Red Line from Chalong Pier to SuperCheap. The transition began rolling out smoothly with the Yellow Line on December 3, followed by the Green on February 25, and finally, the Red on March 26, culminating in a fully operational fleet by June 4.
Hailing from China, the Asiastar JS6860GHN NG city buses come outfitted with air conditioning, provide seating for 23 passengers, USB charging ports, wheelchair access, and a vigilant 24-hour CCTV surveillance. With the ability to travel up to 150 kilometers on a single charge, they are a model of efficiency, taking merely one to two hours to recharge. Currently, charging stations are strategically placed at Saphan Hin and near Ratsada Pier, with a third anticipated at Chalong Pier by September.
At a flat rate of 15 baht, the buses offer affordable access with additional provisions for free rides to students, the elderly, monks, and those with disabilities. In this sea of change, employment transitions have also taken root. Former Pho Thong drivers looking to continue in the driver’s seat must now pass a qualification test, while others have found new roles courtesy of the Phuket City Development Company (PKCD), as reported by The Phuket News.
Though the electric buses have replaced the charming pink buses, the spirit of progress pulses through Phuket, inviting locals and tourists alike to hop aboard this sustainable journey. As the vibrant landscape of Phuket evolves, these new electric buses promise not only a continuation of its rich cultural tapestry but also a beacon of a greener, technologically savvy future.
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