reader Posted March 14 Posted March 14 NOTE -- I think most readers have used these ferries on more than one occasion. I've always enjoyed the respite while getting to see the Chao Phraya and its shores from water level. I hope they all manage to survive. From The Nation For generations, small river ferry operators have been making a living transporting people back and forth between both sides of the river. But with increasingly other options, such as SRT and MRT, can they and their employees survive? Krungthep Mahanakorn or Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is home to the mighty Chao Phraya River. Cutting the big capital in half and branching into countless canals, the river is one of the main modes of transportation for many locals. Piers line both banks waiting to greet boats both large and small. Passenger boats, tourist boats, cargo vessels and more travel this busy waterway. But while most are sailing north or south, river ferries do the opposite, carrying passengers from one side of the river to another. So what is life like on a small boat that only has 2 destinations in its whole life? Not far from Khemaphitaram temple is a small pier where Suruth “Rut” Sannonth moors his small metal ferry. Passed down to him from his father, Rut’s ferry business is one of the few independent operations left. Most have been taken over by big boat companies. The service starts at 4am but Rut’s day begins at 3.30. Most of his passengers are regulars. The first group are the monks from Kangkao temple doing pindapata, the practice of collecting alms in the morning, on a route across the river. They are followed by people who start work early. The main group of passengers – schoolchildren – arrive when the sun comes up. Rut remembers his frequent customers. And if any of them hasn’t boarded the ferry back home in the evening, he either waits until they come or calls to check on them. Rut does not mind extending his hours as he has plenty of time to nap during the day when he has no passengers. “The last ferry ride depends on those regulars. Sometimes if they need to take a ferry back late, they will call me to see if the ferry is still here.” Rut said, adding that he will often wait for them, Continues with photos https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/travel/40036341 vinapu and 10tazione 2 Quote
vinapu Posted March 14 Posted March 14 12 hours ago, reader said: Most have been taken over by big boat companies. those may be bigger threat to small operators then MRT or BTS Quote
