Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started upgrading traffic signals at various intersections, incorporating an adaptive system using CCTV and AI technology to adjust in real time. This initiative, detailed in a February 20 Facebook post, aims to transition from fixed-timing to automated adaptive control, improving convenience and reducing time on the roads.

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The BMA manages 746 intersections, with 578 having traffic lights. Currently, 433 of these use fixed signals, 71 have adaptive loop detectors, and 74 have been updated to the new adaptive real-time CCTV system. Fixed-time signals often cause inefficiencies, like green lights with no traffic or unnecessary red light waits.

The new adaptive system uses cameras and intelligent processing to react to real-time traffic. By adjusting signal timing based on actual traffic, the system aims to improve traffic flow, reduce gridlock, and minimize wait times.

In 2024 and 2025, the BMA upgraded 74 intersections on major roads like Sukhumvit and Rama IX. Evaluations show this improved traffic flow by 10% to 41%. Plans are set to expand this system to an additional 50 intersections this year, reported The Thaiger.

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok is implementing AI-driven traffic signals citywide.

• New adaptive systems have improved traffic flow significantly.

• The initiative will expand to 50 more intersections this year.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 26 Feb 2026

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I respect the ambition. But imagine the AI processing Sukhumvit at rush hour:

600 cars changing lanes, 900 motorbikes swerving, 100 delivery riders texting, 1 guy reversing because he missed his turn, 15 taxis performing spontaneous U-turns, A dog, 5 boomers on their mobility trikes, A tuk-tuk lane splitting, 252 pished up tourists trying to cross the road at Nana, 2 grannies crossing without looking, 14 cars blocking the junction, a 22 delivery vehicles stopped wherever they like, 19 busses stopping in the middle lane to pick up passengers...

... And theres the AI programmed on European traffic calmly calculating optimal flow, getting confused about all the motorcycles going in the wrong direction and travelling down the pavements !!!!

Seriously though - this can only be a good thing... a Citywide intelligent system to optimise citywide flow and avoid gridlock - but the very simple and very key issue is the human part - the end user - people have to stop going through red lights and stop blocking junctions when the exit is not clear.

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I respect the ambition. But imagine the AI processing Sukhumvit at rush hour:

600 cars changing lanes, 900 motorbikes swerving, 100 delivery riders texting, 1 guy reversing because he missed his turn, 15 taxis performing spontaneous U-turns, A dog, 5 boomers on their mobility trikes, A tuk-tuk lane splitting, 252 pished up tourists trying to cross the road at Nana, 2 grannies crossing without looking, 14 cars blocking the junction, a 22 delivery vehicles stopped wherever they like, 19 busses stopping in the middle lane to pick up passengers...

You forgot the top brass motorcade stopping all the traffic for his visit to his mia noi.

1 minute ago, chickenslegs said:

You forgot the top brass motorcade stopping all the traffic for his visit to his mia noi.

... And the sudden increase in short skirted brass on the WinMotorcycle taxi's heading out to work at 6pm...

And then there's Somchai, Jakrapong and their mates with beaten up old Taxi, cracked windscreens, full of stickers and dash loaded with Buddhas - parked on the main road outside the hotel in hope of charging Mavis and Roger 1000 baht for a ride to the Grand Palace via a tailors and a jeweller.