Bangkok authorities have installed metal barriers on pavements in Khlong Toei district to prevent motorcycles from driving on footpaths, following repeated public complaints. The measures aim to improve pedestrian safety and reduce noise in a busy urban area. Officials say the barriers have already led to noticeable improvements for local residents and visitors.

Get today's headlines by email

The installation took place on 24 April 2026 at the intersection of Rama IV and Sukhumvit roads, also known as Phra Khanong junction. Sittichai Aranyaganon, assistant secretary to the Bangkok governor, inspected the site, which has been known for frequent violations by motorcyclists. Authorities identified several contributing factors, including distant U-turn points, closely spaced side streets and narrow roads.

Large vehicles often occupy all lanes in the area, making it difficult for motorcycles to pass through traffic. This has prompted some riders to mount pavements as an alternative route. In response, the Khlong Toei district office installed “S-Guard” steel posts along the footpaths, which officials say have proven effective in deterring such behaviour.

Authorities consulted road users before installing the barriers, noting the area’s proximity to a BTS Skytrain station and its heavy use by both Thai residents and foreign visitors. Sittichai said, “We want all road users, especially motorcyclists, to respect traffic rules.” The design allows access for wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage while preventing motorcycles from entering pedestrian spaces.

Local residents and shopkeepers reported positive changes following the installation. They said the barriers have reduced both danger and noise levels in the area. One regular pedestrian said she previously felt unsafe walking with headphones, as motorcycles approaching from behind could not be heard, but now feels more secure.

Khaosod reported that the effectiveness of the “S-Guard” system may influence similar measures in other parts of Bangkok facing the same issue. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring compliance and gathering feedback from the public. Further installations could be considered if the approach continues to deliver improvements in safety and accessibility.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 26 Apr 2026

View full article

& the people in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pram do what exactly - have to use the road?

Whereas the scooters will just drive a little further down the road until a drop in the pavement & join it there.

Not the best thought out idea IMO !!!

Haha, they will just get moved out of the way. I have seen large gaps appear in concrete barriers to enable U-Turns.

So authorities doing anything other than what they actually really should be doing... i.e. policing correctly.

Its not the laws that are Thailands issues when such matters continue - its the complete apathy towards their enforcement.

1 hour ago, phil2407 said:

& the people in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pram do what exactly - have to use the road?

Whereas the scooters will just drive a little further down the road until a drop in the pavement & join it there.

Not the best thought out idea IMO !!!

There are apparently "s-bend" gaps that are supposed to allow wheelchairs and strollers through, but mobility scooters, especially the larger ones will struggle.

I have no doubt that motorcycles will find a way to continue using the pavements unless full kerbside safety fencing is added.

EDIT It seems that these barriers are simply bolted down, I suspect they may start wandering off in the night

Authorities appear to only concentrate on so called improvements in Bangkok. What about the other 76 provinces?

As pointed out above, for some it's a case of having to use both pavement and road.

03 May Mike

48 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Authorities appear to only concentrate on so called improvements in Bangkok. What about the other 76 provinces?

As pointed out above, for some it's a case of having to use both pavement and road.

03 May Mike

Just be happy all these awful so called improvements are staying in Bangkok at least for now...They can turn Central Bangkok into their mini Singapore nightmare...

And the rest of the country can continue being Thailand....

Won't work, they just throw a couple of bricks or wood down a couple of meters away as makeshift ramps, you see them everywhere.

This is the second time they've installed those. No idea why they took the first ones away.

8 hours ago, phil2407 said:

& the people in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pram do what exactly - have to use the road?

Whereas the scooters will just drive a little further down the road until a drop in the pavement & join it there.

Not the best thought out idea IMO !!!

Try reading past the headline.

The design allows access for wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage while preventing motorcycles from entering pedestrian spaces.

And if you get past the headline, not only will you see the above, you will also read that there's been an overwhelmingly positive response from local residents.

6 hours ago, anchadian said:

Authorities appear to only concentrate on so called improvements in Bangkok. What about the other 76 provinces?

As pointed out above, for some it's a case of having to use both pavement and road.

03 May Mike

It is the BMA. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority is, unbelievably, responsible only for Bangkok. They make improvements to Bangkok, not the rest of the country.

15 hours ago, phil2407 said:

the people in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pram do what exactly - have to use the road

"The design allows access for wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage..."

3 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

19 hours ago, phil2407 said:

the people in a wheelchair, mobility scooter or pushing a pram do what exactly - have to use the road

"The design allows access for wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage..."

Which is a manipulation of the truth. Anyone who has actually tried to push a pushchair through these tightly positioned bollards knows how impractical they are - a forced 90-degree turn one way, then another, just to squeeze through gaps that are barely wide enough. It’s awkward for pushchairs and even worse for wheelchairs. Meanwhile, if a bicycle get can through, slimmer motorcycles can still slip through, which undermines the whole point.

This isn’t hypothetical - it’s already happening on Sukhumvit.

Once again, you criticise others’ comments without any real understanding, while blindly accepting whatever is written in reports that surface here.

The whole issue is a farce. It doesn’t improve law enforcement - it highlights how ineffective it is. There’s no real need for these bollards. What’s needed is proper, consistent policing. It really is just that simple.

On 4/26/2026 at 6:06 AM, richard_smith237 said:

So authorities doing anything other than what they actually really should be doing... i.e. policing correctly.

Its not the laws that are Thailands issues when such matters continue - its the complete apathy towards their enforcement.

You also see more and more people running red lights, and do you know why? They’ve installed a lot more traffic lights.

And the same applies here, as long as there’s no enforcement, things will only get worse.

Since Covid with the rapid increase in delivery riders, who are subject to time pressures, there has been a massive increase in risky riding practices, such as ignoring red traffic lights, riding against traffic and on pavements, let alone the weaving in and out of lanes.

Time for more (some?) law enforcement as well as physical barriers.

On 4/25/2026 at 4:06 PM, richard_smith237 said:

So authorities doing anything other than what they actually really should be doing... i.e. policing correctly.

Its not the laws that are Thailands issues when such matters continue - its the complete apathy towards their enforcement.

Wholly agree.. I’ve long said that laws .. without consistent and equitable enforcement with suitable penalties - are simply suggestions.

.. and IMHO, that’s where a lot of laws go sideways.. on paper, Thailand has almost the same laws as most other countries.. but it’s the lack of enforcement combined with penalties that just don’t create a deterrent, when combined creates what we have today

Just in Klong Toei, please do it in every khet in Bangkok.

Reminds me of when we first bought our Bangkok condo and were walking along Phetchaburi Road from the MRT station. I noticed barriers across the sidewalk and I noted to my Thai spouse that they were spaced too far apart to stop motorcycles from going through. He turned to me and said, 'Silly, they aren't to prevent motorcycles from driving on the sidewalk, they're to prevent cars.' Maybe Bangkok could try this new type on Phetchaburi--especially near the MRT station.

So problem is there is no dedicated motorbike path in this area and the solution is to restrict the efficient movement of motorbikes by blocking the sidewalk.

I would guess if motorbikes had a dedicated lane then they wouldn't need to ride on the sidewalk.

Next time meet with and talk to motorbike riders about what could be done to allow efficient movement in areas not designed for foot traffic.

Wonderful idea.

Too bad if you are using a wheelchair.

19 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

The design allows access for wheelchair users, cyclists and travellers with luggage while preventing motorcycles from entering pedestrian spaces.

Come on, tell us the difference between motor and pedal cycles in getting through this barrier.

Are child buggies and suitcases not wider?

Looks fantastic for the handicapped. Another Thai brainchild.

Like others, I wasn't clear on how the barrier allows for wheelchair users. Here is a better photo that makes everything clear:

2 minutes ago, LarryLEB said:

Like others, I wasn't clear on how the barrier allows for wheelchair users. Here is a better photo that makes everything clear:

How does that part on the right side stop motorbikes?

56 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

Come on, tell us the difference between motor and pedal cycles in getting through this barrier.

Are child buggies and suitcases not wider?

What's the turning circle of a motorbike compared to a pushchair, buggy, or suitcase?

It's getting back out of control as the traffic becomes a never ending nightmare.

55 minutes ago, kuzmabruk said:

Looks fantastic for the handicapped. Another Thai brainchild.

There will be a section with a U-turn for wheelchairs just like there was on the previous iteration of these bollards.

You can even see it in the photo above. Push the wheelchair into the section, on the right in the picture, at 45 degrees pivot the chair and exit just in front o the lady with the dog.

Bangkok Installs Barriers to Stop Motorbikes on Pavements

It would be a lot better and Very profitable for the Lazy cops to get busy and book all the offenders. Than all foot traffic including wheel chairs can use the footpath.

This is an excellent idea, I've nearly been run down by bikes on Bangkok sidewalks and I've seen people dodging bikes, and occasions where bikes scare the living hell out of people. The traffic is crazy in Bangkok and I can understand them wanting to use shortcuts, but this is dangerous.

Sure, Jan. That will work.

I hope somebody goes back there in a month to report on the situation. Smart money says the motorcycle guys will have found or created a work around.