Report Bangkok's New Initiative Tackles Cable Theft Fueling Streetlight Outages

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Bangkok is facing a growing issue with cable theft, leading to streetlight outages and impacting the city’s infrastructure. To combat this, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has launched the “Shock the Thieves” operation, aiming to address the thefts that are responsible for approximately 35% of streetlight outages across the city.

 

Root Causes of Streetlight Failures Unveiled

 

During a recent meeting at City Hall, the Public Works Department divulged insights into the alarming frequency of streetlight outages. They reported that 50% of these outages result from damaged equipment, while 35% are directly linked to cable theft. Other causes include moisture exposure (10%), broken main cables (4%), and natural disasters (1%). The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) oversees 80% of the city's streetlights, with the rest managed by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and other agencies.

 

Incidents Escalate: The Cost of Cable Theft

 

The ramifications of cable theft have been notably costly. In 2023, there were 13 cases resulting in damage valued at 16.3 million Baht. The situation worsened in 2024 with 21 reported thefts costing 9.2 million Baht. As of June 2025, 12 theft cases have already accrued nearly 12.7 million Baht in damages, with over 23,809 meters of cables stolen.

 

Strategic Measures to Curb Theft

 

To address this escalating concern, the Public Works Department has introduced a range of tactics:

 

• Establishing more stringent work protocols.
• Attaching sticker labels to repair vehicles for easy recognition.
• Improving design and materials to deter theft.
• Integrating IoT systems into control boxes.
• Adding QR codes to lampposts to facilitate outage reports.
• Deploying CCTV in high-risk areas.
• Collaborating with the MEA, police, engineering bodies, Ministry of Interior, and local communities.

 

"Shock the Thieves" Operation and Enforcement Efforts

 

Governor Chadchart emphasized the detrimental impact of cable theft on public safety and infrastructure reliability. The “Shock the Thieves” operation involves all districts in identifying second-hand goods shops and working with local authorities to block the sale of stolen materials. Deputy Governor Visanu Thapsomboon stressed the importance of district offices ensuring these shops are properly licensed and reporting any suspected government property, such as cables or manhole covers, to the authorities. Shops found dealing in stolen goods will face strict penalties.

 

Community and Law Enforcement Collaborate

 

Public engagement is pivotal to the operation's success, with authorities urging citizens to immediately report suspected theft. Recently, on April 21, 2025, a significant arrest was made when Ladprao Police detained 32-year-old Yutthachai for cable theft near the Bang Kapi intersection. He admitted to the crime, valued at 6,000 Baht, and has been charged with theft during nighttime hours.

 

The “Shock the Thieves” initiative represents an aggressive stance against a pervasive issue, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding Bangkok’s infrastructure and ensuring public safety. With coordinated efforts between law enforcement, local communities, and governmental bodies, the city hopes to significantly reduce cable theft incidents and improve streetlight reliability for its residents.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-13