No Farang, No Job

This homemade sign on one of the ubiquitous tuk-tuks in Thailand says it all: Farang (foreigners) are a precious commodity in traffic-choked Bangkok and throughout the land of smiles. Tuk-tuk drivers depend on tourism for their livelihoods—sightseers willing to shell out a relative fortune for the ride of a lifetime. But with more than 11 million visitors each year, can the country afford to have people breeze in and out, leaving a thick trail of exhaust in their wake?

The government has been making an effort to curb pollution and increase awareness about global warming with events like Bangkok Car Free Day. But seeing this sign got me thinking about the trade-offs of travel. How can we live up to the responsibility that this sentiment places on our shoulders?

Please send us your reactions, similar travel dilemmas, or thought-provoking photos about the tenuous relationship visitors often have with their destinations.

Comments

[Michael]

Bangkok Tuk Tuk drivers are not the most trustworthy of drivers... from 10 baht drives that drop you off at a gem store, to them telling you the grand palace is closed, to them hawking picture of 'prettttty women', from their friends joining you on journeys, to having no idea where they are going you are far better off (and its cheaper) to take a moto driver or taxi.

[Ben Rushing]

True, Global Warming alarmists are usually the same people who oppose development in poor countries and globalism. They are nothing but anti-capitalist fear mongers. They really don't care what the unintended consequences of their actions are, as long as their agenda is passed.

[Zac]

The Tuk Tuk does not need to go away. Big or small any ride can run clean. Perhaps on Propane. Global Warming may or may not be a farce but, clean is still good.