K-pop activism a lifeline for Thailand's hard-hit 'tuk tuk' drivers

A tuk-tuk driver, with his vehicle decorated with a banner of a Korean star, waits for customers in Bangkok, Thailand May 12, 2021. Picture taken May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Bangkok "tuk tuk" taxi driver Samran Thammasa, 39, had never heard of K-pop star Jessica Jung before the coronavirus pandemic, but now the singer's Thai fans are helping him survive the loss of tourist customers.

His bright green three-wheeled motorcycle rickshaw has been mostly vacant for more than a year. In the past few months, though, he's earned about 600 baht ($19) a month to feature K-pop ads on his vehicle.