Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Bangkok's ongoing efforts to alleviate traffic congestion have started showing promising outcomes, thanks to the installation of smart traffic signal systems at 72 major intersections. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Thursday that these adaptive systems have successfully reduced travel delays by an average of 10-41%.

 

The transformation from conventional fixed-time traffic lights to adaptive systems involves implementing advanced image-processing cameras and AI-powered software capable of detecting real-time traffic volumes. By dynamically adjusting green light durations, these systems prevent unnecessary waiting when there are no vehicles present, streamlining traffic flow and minimising congestion.

 

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), equipped intersections include major thoroughfares such as Rama IX, Din Daeng, Phaya Thai, Sukhumvit, and Silom. Previously dependent on 561 fixed-schedule or manually operated traffic lights, the city suffered from inefficient traffic management.

Governor Chadchart highlighted that the introduction of these adaptive systems has led to notable improvements, enhancing traffic flow by approximately 15% during off-peak times. Further evaluation is ongoing to optimise the system during rush hours in collaboration with local police forces.

 

Beyond reduced travel delays, the adaptive system's benefits extend to smoother vehicle movement, decreased fuel consumption, and lower air pollution levels, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment. Building on this success, Bangkok plans to expand the system to an additional 200 intersections next year, targeting even more critical areas.

 

However, Governor Chadchart stressed that technology alone isn't enough to solve all traffic issues. He urged road users to maintain traffic discipline, comply with traffic laws, and respect signals to ensure the system operates effectively. In high-congestion areas, a blend of smart systems and active police management will remain crucial to address complex traffic situations.

 

As Bangkok continues to innovate and improve its traffic management strategies, the city is poised to offer a more seamless and efficient commuting experience for its residents, setting a benchmark for urban traffic solutions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-12

 

 

Finally. The preset timed lights are ridiculously inefficient and often exacerbate the problems of achieving free traffic flow. I can’t recall how many hours I’ve spent, needlessly, waiting at traffic lights waiting for no one. 

Since more than 20 years in EU in place....without AI

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced on Thursday that these adaptive systems have successfully reduced travel delays by an average of 10-41%.

Yeah okay

27 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Since more than 20 years in EU in place....without AI

 

Over the past 30 or so years, the city has purchased and deployed at least two different computerized traffic control systems, at a cost of millions of dollars. Both were turned off after the police complained that they could do a better job, so we went back to a guy in a booth playing with the lights at every intersection. Let's hope this new system will be given a fair chance.

Wow at last but you are 30 and more years behind, so I can look forwards not having to sit at a red light for 5 minutes with no other traffic on the road? Somehow I think it might be another 30 years before that happens

Anyone living in Bangkok notice any difference...

At last after 20 + years since T promised to solve the  Bkk traffic problem " within 6 months of taking office " !

 

8 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Anyone living in Bangkok notice any difference...

I certainly haven't noticed any improvement!  But I usually don't drive in the areas mentioned.

1 minute ago, Aussie999 said:

Anyone living in Bangkok notice any difference...

No. Two days ago we were stuck in junction Si Ayutthaya Rdand Rama VI Rd for more than 20 minutes waiting for green light. I noticed these cameras in the junction and wondered what it was. When turning to Rama VI it was a massive traffic jam because of all the parked cars, mainly taxis waiting outside Foreign Ministry and Ramathibodi Hospital. Red white checkered of course but who cares. If they moved all these cars there would be an increase of traffic flow more than 41%, I promise.. 😉

Well, as long as I see Somchai and his friends directing traffic under a functioning traffic light ..........

How entertaining when the traffic light goes green, Somchai stops the traffic and waits for the traffic light to go red - to do his world-famous traffic light dance. 

Leave such things to the experts; traffic and crowd management was never a Thai forte ...

 

So replaced the real police with cardboard cutouts, that did the trick.

4 hours ago, Zack61 said:

Finally. The preset timed lights are ridiculously inefficient and often exacerbate the problems of achieving free traffic flow. I can’t recall how many hours I’ve spent, needlessly, waiting at traffic lights waiting for no one. 

Pattaya is really dreadful for this.

2 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

Anyone living in Bangkok notice any difference...

Speak up please. It will help me from dozing off at the wheel........💤

4 hours ago, hanbla said:

No. Two days ago we were stuck in junction Si Ayutthaya Rdand Rama VI Rd for more than 20 minutes waiting for green light. I noticed these cameras in the junction and wondered what it was. When turning to Rama VI it was a massive traffic jam because of all the parked cars, mainly taxis waiting outside Foreign Ministry and Ramathibodi Hospital. Red white checkered of course but who cares. If they moved all these cars there would be an increase of traffic flow more than 41%, I promise.. 😉

Thank you for a sensible reply