File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok faces a notorious traffic problem, with drivers regularly stuck in long jams. However, a new initiative promises relief. Since February, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in partnership with Google, launched Project Green Light to tackle traffic issues using artificial intelligence.

 

The project employs AI to optimise traffic light timings across 561 intersections. By analysing real-time traffic data, the AI adjusts the green, yellow, and red signals accordingly to improve flow and reduce congestion.

 

Sayan Thasanakosol, director of BMA's Traffic Engineering Office, explained the process: "Each intersection is tested to find the ideal signal timings. Data is collected, Google's AI analyses it, and then we adjust. At the initial 55 intersections, traffic flow improved by 80–90%."

 

Although AI won't replace human oversight, it is a valuable tool for traffic management. Sayan described it as removing guesswork, stating, "Every junction has its rhythm, and AI helps us find it."

 

Traditionally, Bangkok used two traffic light systems: fixed timings and a manual mode. "AI surpasses both," said Sayan. "Initially, we focus on intersections that can be optimised. The most congested areas follow once the model is refined."

 

Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon sees transformative potential. Many intersections operate on fixed schedules, unable to adapt to sudden traffic surges. With AI, lights adjust in real-time, keeping cars moving, reducing emissions, and cutting fuel use. The project mirrors similar initiatives in cities worldwide, with promising early results showing a reduction in vehicle stops by 30% and emissions by 10%.

 

Traffic officers welcome the change, as they no longer need to manually adjust lights during rush hours. "It used to be a balancing act," said one officer. "AI smooths the flow without bias, but accurate data input is crucial, so we've extensively tested it."

 

Commuters are optimistic but cautious. Waiwit Thongthongkam, an office worker, noted, "It's a good idea, but public transport must be affordable and accessible too, or people will still prefer cars."

 

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt envisions this as part of a larger plan for Bangkok's future. Emphasising the city's '9 Good 9 Opportunities' policy, he stated, "We're using technology to build a more liveable city. Our AI Steering Committee ensures effective use of these tools to reduce congestion and enhance residents' lives."

 

As AI-powered signals spread across Bangkok, drivers hope for smoother commutes and cleaner air. Project Green Light is more than a traffic solution; it represents a step towards a smarter, sustainable Bangkok.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-08

 

 

I hope it replaces the morons who control the light at my everyday intersection. 

If only Thais could grasp the concept of "roundabouts"  😝

2 minutes ago, johng said:

If only Thais could grasp the concept of "roundabouts"  😝

That would require mastery of the concept of giving way to others.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

However, a new initiative promises relief

Ban cars, increase public transport.... thought not.

In order to use AI sensibly, all traffic light systems must be networked with each other and connected to a central computer. But they are not. As a result, this is once again a great announcement, but without much chance of success.

36 minutes ago, BerndD said:

In order to use AI sensibly, all traffic light systems must be networked with each other and connected to a central computer. But they are not. As a result, this is once again a great announcement, but without much chance of success.

That's a great idea but what happens when the  internet goes down ??  Do all the lights go to red ? That would make it interesting.

They've tried it before 30+ years ago using legacy technology. The police sabotaged it because it reduces the need to police pressing buttons and therefore reduced the number of traffic police which reduced the status of the traffic police commander.

 

Plus having no button pushers couldn't react to a telephone call from a superior to change all lights on his route green.

   Certainly hope it improves the flow where spouse and I have our BKK condo, next to the  Phetchaburi MRT station.  Last time we visited, we could see our condo building and we just had less than 2 short blocks to go--which took 18 minutes.  Mind you, this was not rush hour but the middle of the day.  We thought surely our GPS was wrong--right there is our building!  But, GPS was, unfortunately correct.  18 long minutes later, mostly stalled, we finally arrived.

   Probably my biggest complaint with Pattaya is the traffic but we can get to just about anywhere we want to go, non-rush hour, in 18 minutes here.   Compared to Bangkok traffic, we have it better here.  

Can AI have a nervous breakdown??

 

 

2 hours ago, wavodavo said:

That's a great idea but what happens when the  internet goes down ??  Do all the lights go to red ? That would make it interesting.

It probably would not use the actual internet... they would (should!) operate on a private network.  Access to the private network would *should* be difficult to prevent access by hackers.

At the initial 55 intersections, traffic flow improved by 80–90%."

 

In all 55 intersection directions ....

 

You have to Rob Peter to Pay Paul .....555

There is one where I live which is strange. On one side of the road you get a 20 second wait for the crossing, from the other side, just minutes later, you can get 55 seconds. Still the same amount of traffic but different wait times depending which side of the street you are on.

Another intersection you can wait for up to 3 or 4 minutes before getting the green light.

 

Integration between traffic and consistent flow seems to be hard to achieve.

49 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Can AI have a nervous breakdown??

 

 

ChatGPT refers to it brainchild's penchant for making wild guesses as "hallucinations".

 

https://openai.com/index/why-language-models-hallucinate/

Compared to Tehran BKK is a piece a cake.  

23 hours ago, wavodavo said:

That's a great idea but what happens when the  internet goes down ??  Do all the lights go to red ? That would make it interesting.

Connected by wire. Many cities in Europe do this. OK, no AI right now, but connected by a central computer, which collects all data and thus optimizes traffic light control, induction loops in the lanes that measure traffic volume and speeds, and other indicators help with this.

On 9/9/2025 at 3:46 AM, wavodavo said:

That's a great idea but what happens when the  internet goes down ??  Do all the lights go to red ? That would make it interesting.

Fallback would be fixed time.