Siem Reap: driven by a dramatic increase in tourism sector in Siem Reap and elsewhere in Cambodia, there are massive explosion of transportation services in response to the needs of tourists. Tuk Tuk has taken a role in providing convenient transportation services to both local and international tourists visiting Siem Reap.
Wearing a short with white T-shirt, sitting on a Tuk Tuk and waiting for servicing to customers, Mr. Mok Vann, a Tuk Tuk driver in Angkor Wat area said that he normally starts his day at around 8am until 7pm everyday. With respect to communication pattern with his customers, he claimed that it is quite easy to convince people to take his Tuk Tuk as we speak the same language. Without any specified reason, this driver faces certain challenges in communicating with foreigners. This might be the fact that he is not so familiar with any foreign languages.
On average, Mr. Vann could make money from $8 to $10 per day from his Tuk Tuk which is quite good one in compare with that of thousands of other Cambodians, and it is relatively high if compared with those living in the rural areas. In contrast, he believes that unstable income is not well balancing with expenditure of the family given the fact that he is a sole-family supporter. Tuition fee, daily food consumption, gasoline, and healthcare of the family have taken away such tiny earning of this Tuk Tuk driver.
Presently, Tuk Tuk drivers are very much concerned about their businesses as Tuk Tuk service has gradually become popular among middle-aged Cambodians. “if there are more Tuk Tuk services, competition becomes tougher and tougher,” said Mr. Van. In addition, he asked people to take Tuk Tuk service which is part of making jobs for many poor people.
By: Vann Buna (Youth Reporter of Citizen Journalist-ADS 2.0) Step5 (Informal Translation)
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