Traffic Bangkok Enhances Traffic Flow with Smart Signals at 72 Intersections

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Bangkok has initiated the installation of adaptive traffic lights at 72 key intersections to improve travel efficiency. This technology adjusts signals based on real-time traffic flow, and initial results show a 15% improvement in non-peak hours.

 

On 6th May, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, alongside Deputy Governor Wissanu Supsompon and traffic authorities, evaluated the new system on Sukhumvit Road.

 

Bangkok has about 500 intersections currently operated manually by police or on fixed timers, which can cause inefficiencies. The adaptive system, using cameras and computer calculations, aims to optimise vehicle flow.

 

Seventy-two intersections have been equipped with this new system along major roads like Sukhumvit and Petchaburi, with plans for an additional 200 next year.

 

While early results are promising during non-peak hours, data collection is ongoing for rush hours. In cases of severe congestion, police may still manually override signals when necessary.

 

Governor Chadchart emphasised that despite technological advancements, traffic discipline remains crucial for maintaining flow. Automation cannot replace the importance of adhering to traffic rules.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Rath 2025-05-07

 

 

[carlyai]

This is another iteration of a system designed by the Japanese years ago.

Love Bankok but traffic puts me off visiting more often.

[petedk]

Great system, but........

 

The cops switch off the automation at any opportunity.

[Bangkok Black]

Try getting out of Rama 4 onto Sukhumvit Road. If this helps with that it cant come soon enough

[Harrisfan]

I spent 15 minutes at one light.

[Bangkok Black]

34 minutes ago, Harrisfan said:

I spent 15 minutes at one light.

I can belive that

[Harrisfan]

Just now, Bangkok Black said:

I can belive that

Near the zoo.

[Watawattana]

What?  Next they'll be trying to make smart drivers! 😂

[Zaphod Priest]

Why on earth don't they just learn from other countries?

 

- the very long red lights lead to bunching of the traffic, and to large numbers of motorcycles gathering at the front, impeding the flow of traffic

- the lights aren't synchronised to allow one to drive down a main street with only a wait at the first set of lights

- don't use policemen to control the lights anywhere

[hotchilli]

They need smart drivers, not just smart traffic lights

[Yagoda]

11 hours ago, Bangkok Black said:

Try getting out of Rama 4 onto Sukhumvit Road. If this helps with that it cant come soon enough

Try walking across that intersection

[Purdey]

Does anyone else remember when a computerized traffic light system was installed at several intersections. Must have been 20 years ago. One policeman was so angry about the traffic jam that was caused that he took an axe and cut all the wires.

For years after there were non-working traffic signals left at the junction on Saphan Soong, Bangsue, near Siam Cement.

You can't make this up.