File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Bangkok’s skyline is set for a less glaring future as the Bangkok Metropolitan Council acts to curtail the blinding brightness of local billboards.

 

To safeguard residents' vision and cut down driver distractions, the council has greenlit a regulation aimed at reducing the excessive light output from illuminated signs.

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt introduced the regulation on July 2, emphasising its role in making city life safer and cosier for all.

 

Complaints have surged over billboard brightness, with many concerned about discomfort and road hazards caused by extreme lighting.

 

Governor Chadchart stated, “Some billboards are so bright that they disrupt daily life and pose dangers on the roads. This regulation aims to protect the public while promoting responsible advertising.”

 

The new rule mandates that billboard brightness not exceed 5,000 candelas per square metre during the day and must drop to 500 candelas at night.

 

This measure strives to meet businesses' advertising needs while ensuring residents and visitors aren’t blinded by glaring neon.

 

With council approval in principle, a committee will now review the proposal ahead of a final vote.

 

If enacted, the regulation will mark a significant step in controlling outdoor advertising impact in bustling Bangkok, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

 

Advertisers in the city will need to adjust their lighting strategies to adhere to the new stipulations. The anticipated result is a visually calmer urban environment, reducing both human discomfort and dangerous distractions.

 

Residents have welcomed the move, praising the effort to moderate intrusive billboard lighting.

 

A local commented, “This regulation is long overdue. It will make living in the city more pleasant, especially at night.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

9 hours ago, webfact said:

emphasising its role in making city life safer and cosier for all.

Yeah.. okay

Thanks so much!  Just for example - night traveling Ratchada from Lat Phrao to Sukhumvit it's a blizzard of over-amped bright  lights, giant bullboards.  A nightmare.  And Soi Cowboy hasn't missed out on the garish, crowded, bright club signs.    Suddenly of late  the street businesses, they're overdone and in your face everywhere.  No, once blank wall,  has missed a a giant and sometimes talking presence - yelling for your attention.

Interesting to see if this is complied with and, if so, for how long.