Samlors (three-wheeled bikes) have been used in Thailand for over 60 years. They have evolved greatly during that time and continue to prove to be a very useful mode of transportation. Though motorcycle taxis are becoming more common for quick trips, there's still nothing like a samlor for carrying a load or riding in a bit more comfort.
It is said that the first samlor was used in Thailand in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) Province in 1933 when a Chinese merchant added two wheels to a traditional bicycle. The passenger samlor is now found in virtually every province in the country, though in Bangkok they are not allowed on main streets, only on side streets in older housing developments.
Next in the evolution of the samlor was adding a passenger compartment to the back of a motorcycle. As distances from shopping centers increased, so did the need for more speed and something other than human power to drive the beast.
These samlors are found throughout the country but are not as common as other species.
I remember when I was young, I used to live in Khonkaen and they are plenty of them. I've tried Samlor to go to school but only one time, they made my teacher get angry caz I ran to school late but after that I used them few times back home after school, so dont make anyone go mad but it was a really good memory and still miss it!
-- Edited by Kae S on Friday 4th of September 2009 07:20:17 PM
The original Thai Tuk-Tuk (ตุ๊ก-ตุ๊ก) is found in many places in Thailand, mostly operating as an open air taxi. Named for the sound made by their small-capacity, two-cycle engines, tuk-tuks are often found in tourist areas, around markets, or cruising the streets for fares. It is common to see 4 or 5 people in one tuk-tuk, such as students heading home from school, or a single person riding a Tuk-Tuk full of boxes and bags being taken home from the market.
Visitors to Thailand are usually very interested and curious about the Tuk-Tuk, a locally made and designed three-wheeled vehicle. Tourists are often seen getting their picture taken with the open-air vehicle, and heard swapping tales of their experiences with the charming little machine.
Tuk-Tuks were invented in Thailand over 50 years ago, evolving as a motorized relative of the rickshaw. The Tuk-Tuk was given its name from the rather rough sound of the early models. The single stroke motor powering the first three-wheelers had a distinctive hum when operating, and the "tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk-tuk" sound became a familiar sound to many in need of quick and convenient transportation in Bangkok. The Tuk-Tuk has improved its technology and quality over the years, while emerging as one of Thailand's most recognizable and identifiable symbols particularly among foreigners.
but after that I used them few times back home after school, so dont make anyone go mad 
