New Thai electric tuk-tuks provide social distancing facilities to reduce COVID-19 infection risks

The Thai Electric Vehicle Association ( EVAT) on Wednesday launched a new type of electric tricycle "aka tuk-tuk" as an alternative to public transportation, with clear plastic sheets covering all sides of the vehicle to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infections.

EVAT said that the plastic sheet helps separate the passenger and the driver, and can be rolled up when not in use.

The association developed the electric tricycle from a motor tricycle which has been newly registered at the Department of Land Transport under the name "EVAT: Bangkok model".

EVAT said that for the past five years, the Thai government had been trying to encourage car manufacturers and commuters to switch from fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles in a bid to reduce pollution.

The conventional Thai tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi, mostly for tourists.