Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

 

Police have launched a pilot project using artificial intelligence and smart CCTV cameras to prevent suicides on major river bridges, beginning with Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok. The system is designed to detect risky behaviour in real time and alert authorities so that intervention can occur before lives are lost.

 

The project, titled the Phase 1 Development of a Suicide Surveillance System on River Bridges, was formally announced at 10am on December 19 at Asawin Grand Convention Hotel. Pol Maj Gen Phithak Uthaiyam, Deputy Commissioner of the Security Division of the Royal Thai Police, currently attached to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, outlined the initiative and its objectives.

 

The Metropolitan Police Bureau received research funding from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) to develop the system. The aim is to apply artificial intelligence to support behavioural risk detection, emergency alerts and post-incident investigation in a way that is accurate, transparent and verifiable.

 

The AI system analyses live CCTV footage to identify behaviours associated with suicide risk, including standing still for an unusually long time, pacing repeatedly or attempting to climb bridge barriers. When such behaviour is detected, alerts are sent immediately to relevant officers so that help can be provided without delay.

 

The system also records images and video to support investigations, enabling authorities to determine whether an incident was suicide, an accident or a criminal act. In addition, a data evaluation database will be created to support statistical analysis and help develop future preventative measures, alongside training and drills for officers in target areas.

 

Pol Maj Gen Phithak said that during 2022–2023, while serving as Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner responsible for Division 8, suicides by jumping into the river occurred almost daily, with police often limited to recovering bodies. He said Rama VIII Bridge has recorded the highest number of such incidents, prompting its selection as the pilot site.

 

The project was proposed to Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, to ensure the research would deliver practical outcomes rather than remain unused. Funding of 7 million baht was approved for Phase 1, with Phase 2 planned for other Bangkok bridges and Phase 3 for major river bridges nationwide.

 

Matichon reported that the system is currently under prototype development, alongside planning for on-site installation at Rama VIII Bridge. The project requires coordination with multiple agencies, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Marine Department, the Department of Highways, police stations, rescue teams and foundations, with the research running to April 2026.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Police are developing an AI-based CCTV system to detect and prevent suicide attempts on bridges in real time.

• Rama VIII Bridge is the Phase 1 pilot site, funded with a 7 million baht research grant from NRCT.

• The project is scheduled to run to April 2026 before potential expansion nationwide.

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-21

 

I don't see how AI can prevent suicide. They can make videos of people climbing and jumping. It's all over in a minute.

They could rig this up for departures at Swampy 

AI = net?