one man was in search of a way to bring this pocket of serenity back to the bustling Bangkok canals. With a little financial investment into his dream, some good ‘ol elbow grease and a desire to protect the surrounding environment, here’s how Mr. Tai is changing the tour landscape in Thailand, one solar-powered boat at a time.
Turning Dreams Into a Reality
Mr. Tai’s business endeavor began in 2021, when he was guided by two main goals: reduce pollution in Thailand’s waterways through sustainable alternatives and preserve the vintage water taxi.
The two vessels Mr. Tai owns and operates for his tours today are a nod to an earlier era in the region’s history, when the boats served as the backbone of transportation. Their low and narrow design made them ideal to easily navigate canals and rivers, though the large engines — typically from a car or tractor — were a standout feature for their speed.
The vintage boats were innovative for a time, until the high-powered motors began to more noticeably contribute to air, water and noise pollution in Bangkok’s waterways. Each vessel is fueled by gas or diesel, and aside from their loud rumblings, release emissions and exhaust fumes into the surrounding atmosphere disrupting travelers, businesses and residents along the water.
In an effort to mitigate this harmful component of the boat while also preserving a coveted piece of Thailand’s history, Mr. Tai converted his two water taxis to run completely on solar power. Now, five years after his inaugural launch, other independent tour operators are in on the sustainable movement, bridging the gap between eco-friendly transportation and visits to some of Bangkok’s top attractions along the Chao Phraya River.
Working Towards a Sustainable Bangkok
Mr. Tai’s simple mission of promoting a healthier Bangkok quickly blossomed into a much bigger initiative, largely due to his recent partnership with Tourism Cares, a U.S.-based organization promoting travel for destination stewardship.
During the brand’s annual Meaningful Travel FAM trip in March 2024, Tourism Care leaders learned of Mr. Tai’s work through Globe Holiday’s “green travel day,” where participants toured the city using public or electric transportation options.
“The electric boats stand out because they are a great example of how sustainable travel can be a win-win-win,” said John Sutherland, senior director of community impact at Tourism Cares and a visitor on Mr. Tai’s boat. “For the environment, they are lower impact/lower carbon footprint. For the owners, they benefit from the increased business of conscious travelers. And, perhaps most importantly for the traveler, they are quieter and less polluting, which makes the ride itself much more pleasant.”
Mr. Tai’s tour left a lasting impression on the Tourism Cares visitors, as his business is now featured on the brand’s Meaningful Travel Map. The tool, created for travelers and advisors, highlights community-led, sustainable operations around the globe, and Mr. Tai’s inclusion in it puts him one step closer to sharing his big dreams with the world.
“What I enjoy most with the electric boats is the quiet; it’s like the tranquility of sailing,” said Mr. Tai in a 2024 article with EF Ultimate Break. “Being out on the water with no engine allows me to appreciate the surroundings deeply, and I want others to experience it, too.”
“The Thai people are so friendly and welcoming, and the electric boat operators are no different,” added Sutherland. “They are proud of their impact, proud of their city, and happy to connect with travelers around the world. It’s a joy to explore the city with them and hear their stories.”
Originally appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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