Easy Exercises

Hi-tech taxi

It�s easy to hail a taxi in Bangkok, but if you want to catch a cab with more technology than just a meter and a radio, then you�ll have to wait for Vichian Simma. This cabby�s taxi stands out from all the rest � not only can it travel on the expressway, it can also take passengers on the information superhighway. Read this week�s story from the �Bangkok Post� to find out what is so special about this taxi, and work with a friend to complete the exercises.

Photograph courtesy of Bangkok Post

A passenger logs onto the Internet as Vichian Simma prepares to take her through the streets of Bangkok.

Vichian Simma, owner of a �karaoke taxi,� has gone one step further than most by offering his passengers free Internet access as well as music. The 25-year-old cab driver installed a 30,000-baht computer system in his taxi three months ago.

The idea to have a PC in his taxi came from his love for music. Vichian has hundreds of CDs but had run out of space in his cab to keep them. �My car would be a complete mess if I kept them there. Where�s the best place to store music? A computer! There�s a lot of space in there,� he said.

While karaoke-crazy passengers continue to indulge themselves in music, others can check email or surf the Net, free of charge, or just sit back and relax in the front seat, which is an electronic massaging chair.

CAPTIVATING CAB

Many passengers ask Vichian for his number and some have hired him to make long-distance trips to other provinces.

But Vichian doesn�t dream of making more money with his taxi. �I spend about 12 hours a day in the cab, so why shouldn�t I make it more pleasant and comfortable,� he said. �Some foreigners loved the experience so much that they couldn�t resist taking pictures of it. I�m flattered.�

When asked about his dream, Vichian said he wants to own a small taxi company. �Right now I just want to change the car. It�s pretty old,� he said.

Vichian is also considering asking a mobile phone company to provide him free Internet hours in exchange for advertisements on his cab.

Discussion

- What do you think of Vichian�s taxi? How would you describe it?

- Do you think that road safety is an issue in taxis with gimmicks such as this?

Exercises

The following words have been taken out of the text above. Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for the underlined word.

1. The party-goers hailed a tuk tuk to take them home.

a. Stopped.

b. Signalled.

c. Telephoned.

2.  John had lots of time to indulge in his favourite pastime.

a. Waste.

b. Enjoy.

c. Spend.

Vocabulary

cabby (n): a person who drives a taxi
stand out (phrasal v): to be easily seen; to be noticeable
install (v): to fix equipment or furniture into position so that it can be used
run out (of something) (phrasal v): to use up or finish a supply of something
mess (n): a dirty or untidy state
captivating (adj): taking all your attention; very attractive and interesting
gimmick (n): an unusual trick or unnecessary device that is intended to attract attention or to persuade people to buy something

Idiom

to be/feel flattered: to be pleased because somebody has made you feel important or special