Bangkok clears cable clutter before IMF-World Bank talks

Bangkok is accelerating work to remove and reorganise tangled overhead cables in key parts of the capital before the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings next month.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) was coordinating with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), telecoms agencies and other partners to improve safety, order and the city's appearance.

The meetings will run from October 12 to 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, with about 15,000 delegates and visitors expected. Bangkok last hosted the event in 1992.

Work underway on key Bangkok roads

Workers from the BMA and other agencies began moving power and communications cables underground, while removing disused lines, on Rama V Road on Wednesday. Technicians from the MEA and telecommunications agencies were also working with City Hall on Rama IV Road.

Areas prioritised for cable organisation and underground installation before the meetings include Wireless Road, Rama IV Road, parts of Sathon Road and Lumpini Park.

Three ways to address a decades-old issue

Mr Chadchart said the cable problem had existed for decades and could not be resolved by one authority alone, as it involved several state agencies and service providers.

The first and most effective approach is to move power cables underground, remove electricity poles and relocate communications lines underground at the same time. However, he said this requires considerable time and funding, so it will be used where areas are ready and suitable.

Where power cables cannot yet be moved underground, the second approach is to put communications cables into existing underground conduits. This is designed to organise the large number of telecoms lines and reduce the volume of cables suspended from electricity poles.

The third, faster measure involves inspecting cables on poles, removing those no longer used and reorganising the lines that remain active.

Tighter controls on new cables

Mr Chadchart said all three methods would be extended to other parts of Bangkok, but stressed that sustained cooperation between all relevant agencies would be needed.

City Hall is also developing a system intended to stop cable clutter returning. Agencies and service providers wanting to install new cables on power poles will need to follow the proper procedures and secure required permits, or face legal action.

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

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24 September 2026

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