I have a friend that is not supposed to drive anymore. Taking a motor bike or a baht bus is not a good option.

 

I have another friend that lives in Jomtien and simply calls for a car and driver. He said some hang out by where he lives. He also does not want to give out the number as he wants the guy available for him. If too many start to use the driver he may not be available. Which I understand.

 

But maybe some one else knows of someone who has a car that does local trips like a taxi. I have seen a few taxis now in Pattaya have never taken notice if there is a telephone number to dispatch them or how it works.

 

Anyone able to provide some help?

Depending on where he wants to go and how often he wants to go, he might actually be better off either buying a used car or renting a car and hiring a driver. If it's going to be only a once in a while thing, then if you have any trouble finding someone, I would ask local motorcycle taxi drivers and ask staff members in some of the local hotels. If anyone would know, they would.

Thanks GB. In my friend's case he has a car. But how to find a driver? The idea of local hotels is a good one and I will pass that on to him.

Finding a driver should be rather easy. I know that one of the boys that used to work for Oud now drives for Gems&Phon's. Ask around the bars where you know the owners and a number of the responsible boys. Many of the boys working the host bars are past there "sell by date" and are both emotionally and physically ready to move on. Many of them, also, have excellent English skills and enough spunk, guts, and life experience to be a great employee. After some interviews and checking out his license and alcohol/drug issues hire the boy on a part time basis and if it works our hire him on 24 hr retainer. If your friend has a pretty set schedule and plans his shopping ahead of time it doesn't put an undo strain on the boy planning his life. The boy just needs to understand that he must be able to come on a moments notice if required.

 

If your friend has resources he can easily hire a boy for 300 baht a day as a full time personal assistant that can also clean the house, laundry, do minor shopping, and whatever other personal services one might require....although I would definitely leave sex out of the equation.

Three options from me: (1) this is the number on the side of the meter taxis in Pattaya these days.038-368113 ......... have no idea what happens when you call it (2) one of those drivers has his own phone, speaks English and can be available quickly 08-1193-9605 ...... I have never used his services, but a friend in my condo does and has praise for it ...... I don't think he uses his meter but charges what is agreed upon (3) for the airport and other destinations for the past 10 years or so, I have exclusively used Khun Suthep ...... he has many cars available and can do run-around-Pattaya trips as well as other, more distant places .... once I needed to get to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya in a semi-emergency and he arrived within 15 minutes .......... has my highest recommendation, good drivers, clean cars, market value prices .......... tell him DALE told you to call .... his number is 08-1983-2843.

Thanks to both Soi 10 Tom and Dale1. Great ideas and suggestions. One of the great strengths of our community is the help we can give others. Thanks so much