This is a major transportation artery in Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River. Ferries of four or five different “lines” (they’re identified by the colour of flag they fly, and whether they ply the milk run – every stop – or more express routes) ply the river every few minutes.
For locals, it’s faster than land taxi. For tourists, it’s a cheap river cruise.
Now for the rest of the story… the advertised capacity is 100 people. I counted a dozen or so life rings, and couldn’t lay eyes on any PFDs. And – for the shocker – there’s no mention of how many days “accident free.”
When in Rome…
There’s a postscript: upon subsequent voyages by water taxi (it sure beats BKK traffic) I discovered floatation devices beneath each seat. Good for if you’re, you know, sitting near one. 🙂