Taxi driver who gives free stuff tells his story

By Coconuts Bangkok

Oct 29, 2014 | 11:11am Bangkok time

From newspapers to snacks and coffee packets, the swag given away by the owner of a blue taxi was introduced to the public recently when a photo of his cab spread online.

A reporter tracked him down to share the compelling story of Narong Sairat, who uses his tips to give something back to his customers and brighten their days.

Sairat, 47, also known as “P’ Hin Taxi,” said it all started with one smile eight years ago, and ever since he’s festooned the inside of his car with a variety of candies, snacks and stuff people don’t know they might need.

“One day I drove past a guardhouse, and I gave the the security guard a candy,” Narong recalled the story. “I said to him ‘Bro, take a candy. You’ll feel fresh!’ That one sentence brought a big smile to his face.”

Narong told Post Today he grew up poor in Surin province and did not have a chance to go to school, but learned to drive despite being illiterate.

“I had to try harder than other people. Back then I could not read or write,” Narong said. “But I’ve always held on to my principle that a taxi driver can never run out of work if he is friendly, polite, and a good driver.”

Narong’s spirit of generosity became famous last week when one of his passengers shared a photo of all the wonderful goodies available for the taking. “You can take anything in my car for free!” he told Kittiphun Khongsawatkiat, who shared the story online. “These items were bought with the change other customers left for me. I want to give back to my passengers.”

Narong also discussed the infamy of Bangkok taxi drivers, who have a reputation for kicking fares out halfway or rejecting them outright. Narong said he would drive wherever his customers want.

“I’ve never made a grumpy face at customers, and I accept all of them,” he said. “When a customer gets in my car, I have to make them feel comfortable during the ride and reach their destination safely.”

When customers take the free stuff he offers, Narong said they always leave a tip.

“It’s like they want me to refill the goodies for other people,” he said. “This teaches me that Thais are generous, but we may have just forgotten it.”

Narong hopes his generosity sets a good example for the society, and we all will learn to give more.

“We all just need to learn the meaning of ‘give’, and we will be rewarded so much more. Society will be much a better place to live in.”