Thailand's ubiquitous three-wheeled "tuk-tuks," a regular sight on Bangkok city streets, may become more environmentally friendly with the U.S.-backed advent Wednesday of pollution-free, high-tech models.
Three battery-operated electric versions, designed and built in a program sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were handed over to Yingpan Manasikarn, the minister of science, technology and environment.Tuk-tuks - adaptations of motor scooters - carry two to three people comfortably and are often used for short journeys.
Their three-wheel design makes it relatively easy for drivers to weave in and out of Bangkok's notorious traffic jams, but the noxious fumes and smoke they emit have added to the city's worsening pollution problem.
Thai and U.S. officials said the idea of an electric tuk-tuk was spurred by environmental concerns. "The two most common complaints about the quality of life in Bangkok are the traffic problems and its associated air pollution," Ralph Boyce, U.S. charge d'affairs, told a news conference.
"The idea of electric tuk-tuks for Thailand has proven to be an innovative yet pragmatic idea, utilizing advanced U.S. electric vehicle technology in a traditional Thai vehicle to solve a serious environmental problem."
Samuel Schweitzer of USAID in Washington said the three tuk-tuks presented Wednesday would be tested for the next few months before production begins on more vehicles.