While major businessmen are worried that the anti-government protests led by Suthep Thaugsuban could have a negative impact on their companies, some grassroots people have gained a windfall from the rallies.
A familiar sight in the Huai Khwang area. Taking protesters to and from rally sites is boosting motorcycle taxis' incomes. THANARAK KHOONTON
Take Oun, a 34-year-old motorbike taxi driver says his life has improved because of the demonstrations in the Ratchadamnoen and Siam Center areas.
Three years ago, Mr Oun switched from factory work to his current job. He began serving customers in the Taling Chan area from 7am to 5pm and made a monthly income of 25,000-30,000 baht.
His earnings climbed steadily as he extended his service to Ratchadamnoen, the main protest venue during the past two months. He gains an extra 2,000-4,000 baht a night from the area.
During the protests, his daily income peaked at 5,000-6,000 baht, compared with 1,000 baht for serving only customers in Taling Chan.
"I could earn additional income five or six times higher than the regular one by extending service for about six or seven hours a day," he said. "I can say that my overtime pay is higher than for blue-collars who work at a shoe or noodle factory."
Mr Oun, who has a licence to serve customers across Bangkok, has extended his service to the Siam Center area.
His customers range from three to 70 years old and come from all walks of life: policemen, soldiers, doctors, students - even high-class women who have never before ridden on a motorcycle.
He said he does not charge extra and his fee is negotiable. Sometimes he gives a free ride to people who have come from upcountry.
"Now I have over 200,000 baht saved for my son," Mr Oun said. "It may make my dream of owning a pick-up come true very soon if demand keeps rising."
He wants to buy a used pickup and modify it as a mobile unit for selling groceries and produce in Bangkok's suburban areas.
"I got an idea from a friend who sells jeans and T-shirts from a mobile unit in front of a factory and earns as much as having a shop in a mall," he said.
Asked if he wanted the anti-government protests to continue, Mr Oun said he could surely use the income.
"But I will be happier if it ends with a positive outcome for the the country, as it will benefit our young generations in the future," he said.
Another motorbike taxi driver in the Ratchadamnoen area also reported a steady flow of customers and higher income.
In normal circumstances he would have to wait until evening for after-work fares, but now he stays busy all day.
"It's like turning a crisis into an opportunity," said Sahara Srisawad, munching on fried rice with basil leaves provided by the Dhamma Army.
His income has risen by 30-40%, though he declined to provide raw figures.
"I want the mob to stay here for a year," he said.