Phuket to use AI for traffic congestion relief amid road projects

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Aomamm Charinkorn

 

by Bright Choomanee

 

Traffic Police in Phuket are looking to implement AI technology to alleviate congestion on the island until the completion of several major road projects. This initiative aims to optimise traffic flow through adaptive traffic control, similar to systems already in use in Bangkok.

 

Phuket Provincial Police Commander, Major General Sinlert Sukhum, updated Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on the island’s traffic issues during her recent visit. He proposed the introduction of AI technology to manage traffic lights, a system that has shown success in Bangkok by adapting to real-time traffic patterns and improving travel times by 25%.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn agreed in principle to bring this technology to Phuket, with plans and budget proposals to be drafted soon. The main challenges cited include an excess of vehicles, insufficient roads, and a lack of coordinated infrastructure planning, according to Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander, Police Colonel Phasakon Sonthikun.

During peak tourism periods, such as the recent new year’s celebrations, Phuket’s traffic problems have worsened. In areas like Bang Tao in Cherng Talay, residents reported travel times of 1.5 hours for just three kilometres.

 

The Electric Daisy Carnival Thailand 2025 exacerbated congestion, drawing an additional 26,000 visitors to the area.

 

Efforts are underway to alleviate traffic, including deploying additional police officers and advising motorists to avoid certain routes during major events. However, traffic snarls remain a common issue across the island, affecting both tourist and non-tourist areas.

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket OK

Phuket traffic

 

Different tactics are being trialled to ease congestion, including the introduction of new U-turn points and exploring one-way systems. In Cherng Talay, ongoing road construction projects are adding to the problem, with local officials urging faster progress.

 

Plans are in place to expand road surfaces and create new routes, though some projects face delays due to land ownership issues.

 

In Patong, congestion is compounded by traffic from surrounding areas and narrow roads. Proposed solutions, such as installing barriers at crosswalks, have faced opposition, leading to delays in addressing the area’s traffic issues.

 

The government’s increased tourism targets for this year suggest that traffic challenges will continue as more visitors arrive in Phuket. The Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates a 30% increase in revenue, driven by rising tourist numbers, reported The Phuket News.

 

Pol. Col. Phasakon also highlighted the issue of illegal parking exacerbating congestion and urged residents and tourists to adhere to traffic rules. Cooperation from the public is seen as essential to resolving Phuket’s traffic problems.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2025-01-27

 

 

[ikke1959]

AI will probably do better than RTP. I have seen many times that between two crossings, one police officers let the cars drive and at the same time  at the other crossing the cars are being stopped or guards of schools hold up the traffic with a result of severe congestions.. And that is not only in one place.. I always say that if the RTP is starting to control the traffic it will be a mess

[hellohello123]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

AI will probably do better than RTP. I have seen many times that between two crossings, one police officers let the cars drive and at the same time  at the other crossing the cars are being stopped or guards of schools hold up the traffic with a result of severe congestions.. And that is not only in one place.. I always say that if the RTP is starting to control the traffic it will be a mess

Well you know. Traffic is pretty difficult

 

Red=stop, green=go

Throw in the yellow! Things get complicated

 

 

[KCPhuket]

AI......Another Idiot?

 

What a JOKE!

[zmisha]

AI will tell them to replace taxi mafia with cheap buses and minivans to remove traffic jams. But this is impossible for Phuket. So AI cannot be used there.

[hotchilli]

AI cannot help moronic city planning...

[ignore it]

I feel another "hub" announcement is coming. 

[Peterphuket]

Just a sign saying 'MAX 100' before the bridge to Phuket.
More won't get in.
Problem solved.

[sikishrory]

"excess of vehicles TOURISM."

I can't see AI being any less intelligent than what is happening now. Providing they know how to use it as sorry but often I see them unable to make a simple website or correct road sign let alone implement AI into traffic control.

Has this magically cured Bangkoks traffic woes?

Everyday cars are banked up in the heart of Phuket at the heroines monument roundabout and they close the thing? 

I'm not sure stopping the roundabout function and forcing people to pass, do a u-turn and pass through it a second time is "intelligent"? In my observations of passing through the thing almost daily a lot of people have no idea how to use a roundabout and the lines are worn away adding to the confusion of wtf is going on and what lane you are suddenly in.

Where are the BILLIONS of baht going? I see a lot of money coming in but the output of infrastructure doesn't seem to match? Shouldn't it be a rich province with a wallet bursting at the seems to improve infrastructure?

Even then they don't have a lot of wiggle room with Phukets sudden growth. New laws allowing them to "build on hillsides" and a huge road that passes right through what is left of the jungle in the centre of the island is going to destroy what's left of Phukets enviroment more.

Last year it took them I think at least six months to add larger drainage and redo a 100m stretch of road beside Tesco Ratsada. 

Bit of a rant but it's frustrating to see what is happening to the island. I'm considering moving to somewhere far away from the traffic and hordes of russian tourists this year. The place ain't what it used to be.

My opinion.

 

 

[sikishrory]

46 minutes ago, ignore it said:

I feel another "hub" announcement is coming. 

"Phuket Smart Hub 4.0"

[Purdey]

These things take time. When the BMA tried to introduce computer managed traffic lights in Bangkok one policemen was so upset when the traffic worsened, he got an axe and chopped the wires in the control box. Apparently, it is supposed to take time to figure out the best sequence but that does have a negative effect.

Just tell the authorities that it will make Thailand look like Singapore and they might go for it.

[ikke1959]

4 hours ago, hellohello123 said:

Well you know. Traffic is pretty difficult

 

Red=stop, green=go

Throw in the yellow! Things get complicated

 

 

Indeed and put a policeman around and the mess is complete.... When you can't drive they whistle drive on drive on ... and when it is green they stop you to let another car go first..and of a green wave they have never heard when the first light turns green the next will turn red,, suppose you could let get cars  go... Best place to see it is Hua Hin.. and with all the sois, where cars come out and chaos you find there every day

[Pompeygeezer]

It would help if they didn't let  cars park where ever they feel like (middle of the road)  nick drivers who just stop in the middle of the road to order food from a street vendor and then sit their waiting in their cars which then causes a traffic build up, cuz they're too bleeding lazy to park up and get out of the car, etc, etc.   Thai roads are a free for all.  AI isn't needed.    Some enforcement by the cops is needed 

[DonniePeverley]

Or they could reduce the number of visitors ?