traffic

  • Automotive

    Thailand’s journey from traffic jams to green mobility solutions

    In Thailand, the automobile transcends its conventional role as a mere vehicle for transportation; it is a critical component influencing lifestyles and mobility dynamics. Amidst the vibrant streets and evolving urban landscapes, an exploration of Thai cities unveils a sophisticated interplay among automobiles, cultural practices, and infrastructural developments. This article aims to elucidate how automobiles significantly impact daily existence –…

  • Thailand News

    Pattaya business owners petition against one-way traffic rule

    Pattaya recently saw over 200 business owners on Jomtien Beach Road petitioning the deputy mayor to revoke a one-way traffic rule that had been put into place. This rule, implemented on March 1, pertains to a stretch of Jomtien Beach Road from Dongtan Curve to the Chaiyapruek Intersection. The one-way traffic rule is one aspect of a larger project, which…

  • Automotive

    Night driving in Thailand: Essential safety tips unveiled

    Driving at night in Thailand presents a unique set of challenges, even for the most seasoned travelers. From unlit vehicles to unpredictable road users, the nocturnal streets demand your full attention. It’s not just about the vibrant nightlife; it’s about ensuring your journey through the dark is as safe as possible. Staying vigilant is key, especially after sunset when the…

  • Automotive

    Tips for pedestrian safety in Thailand

    When you’re planning to navigate Thailand’s roads, understanding the country’s road safety statistics is crucial. Despite efforts to brighten up zebra crossings, the real issue lies beneath the surface – a deep-rooted road culture that’s putting lives at risk every day. Not only does this knowledge prepare you for the reality of driving there, but it also arms you with…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket’s traffic crisis: over 500,000 vehicles clog the island’s roads

    The Thai holiday resort of Phuket is grappling with a serious traffic problem. Senate Transportation Commission Chairman, General Yodyut Bunyathikarn, was informed on his recent visit to the island that over half a million vehicles are congesting the roads. Gen. Yodyut’s two-day visit aimed to understand the issues and challenges in implementing transportation and infrastructure projects in Phuket. During a meeting at…

  • Phuket News

    Soi Ta-iad’s traffic woes: Tiger Muay Thai urges govt intervention

    Traffic congestion woes have hit the bustling Soi Ta-iad in Chalong, with Watchara Jaruriyanon, the Managing Director of Tiger Muay Thai training facility, urging authorities to intervene. The street, albeit petite, is a hub of activity, largely due to the parked cars lining both sides of the road. Watchara voiced his concerns during a meeting aimed at backing the government’s…

  • Thailand News

    Light’s out: Motorcyclist targeted in bold daylight heist

    A brazen daylight heist unfolded at a traffic light when a black sedan pulled up, and its occupant, armed with a gun, struck a motorcyclist in the face and held him at gunpoint before fleeing with his motorcycle. The incident, part of a string of similar crimes, left 33 year old Tirakun without his new Yamaha XMAX, valued at 130,000 baht,…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket to address traffic woes with AI control systems

    Phuket is gearing up to address its ongoing traffic congestion through the implementation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) traffic control systems. The announcement came from Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who is hopeful that technological advancements can bring about a noticeable change in the island’s traffic flow. Patong Police, in their ongoing effort to regulate traffic, continue to enforce stringent measures…

  • Phuket News

    Traffic police officer involved in accident with Russian tourist in Phuket

    An unexpected accident in Phuket involved a traffic police officer and a Russian tourist’s car, just south of Heroines monument. The incident, which took place yesterday, saw the officer barely escape severe harm. The officer, Police Staff Sergeant Rattanachai Promkhwan, is a traffic police officer assigned to the Heroines Monument. The accident occurred while he was responding to a separate…

  • Phuket News

    Heavy traffic in Phuket forces travellers to allocate extra time

    Phuket International Airport is once again reminding those scheduled to fly out of the island to factor in additional travel time to reach the airport. This advice, which was initially issued for the new year period, has been reiterated due to persistent heavy traffic on the island’s main roads. This renewed call for travellers to allocate an extra two to…

  • Thailand News

    Surge in New Year’s tourism causes traffic chaos in Phetchabun

    Traffic was heavily congested as a surge of tourists flocked to the Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew temple in Phetchabun province yesterday, during the extended New Year’s holiday period. The influx of both Thai and Burmese visitors, keen to pay homage to the temple, led to the traffic disruption. The holiday period saw families taking advantage of the break…

  • Thailand News

    New year’s travel surge causes traffic on Nakhon Ratchasima bypass

    As the New Year celebration kicks off, citizens embark on a journey back to their hometowns in the Northeast region of Thailand. This has resulted in heavy traffic congestion on the bypass road around Nakhon Ratchasima, extending over one kilometre. However, the M6 Motorway has effectively alleviated inner city traffic. Around 8am, the continuous stream of people travelling back to…

  • Transport News

    Traffic surge on Asia Highway as Bangkok residents return home

    The volume of traffic on the Asia Highway, passing through the province of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, is increasing, as people residing in Bangkok begin to return to their hometowns and visit northern provinces. This marked increase in travel is expected to continue throughout the day until late into the evening. Reports this morning from the Asia Highway eastwards, passing…

  • Transport News

    New year exodus triggers traffic on Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads

    Traffic started to intensify on both Phaholyothin and Mittraphap Roads as city dwellers began their exodus from Bangkok to celebrate the New Year in their hometowns. By 10.30pm on yesterday vehicles were moving at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour on Phaholyothin Road heading towards Nong Khae, Saraburi, although there were occasional slowdowns. As vehicles approached Saraburi city,…

  • Thailand News

    Pattaya: Traffic chaos at Bali Hai Pier

    The picturesque road from Walking Street to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya has transformed into a bustling bazaar, causing mayhem for both locals and tourists alike. The 1.5-kilometre stretch, once a serene link between nightlife and island getaways, is now a traffic-ridden nightmare. The situation has escalated to the point where motorcycles are haphazardly strewn across the road, leaving no…

  • Phuket News

    Phuket president seeks solutions for traffic, proposes electric buses

    Phuket’s traffic woes might soon see a respite, with Rewat Areerob, the President of Phuket’s Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), urging Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to implement measures to ease the city’s road congestion. Additionally, Rewat is advocating for the introduction of electric buses in Phuket Town, under the PPAO’s jurisdiction. Rewat yesterday played host to travel experts and policy planning…

  • Thailand News

    Pak Kret sinkhole causes traffic disruption, urgent repairs underway

    A giant sinkhole disrupted traffic at the mouth of the Pak Kret tunnel on Tiwanon Road when a precast concrete slab, covering an electrical conduit, collapsed due to heavy traffic. Authorities quickly cleared the area and temporarily halted traffic to urgently repair the damage, aiming to finish before the morning rush hour. The incident occurred at 8pm yesterday. The Pak…

  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya’s Soi Buakhao set to become one-way street in major traffic overhaul

    The streets of Pattaya are on the brink of a significant transformation. Officials announced that Soi Buakhao, a bustling road in the city, will soon be converted into a one-way street. To alleviate the regular high congestion and traffic density in the area, the traffic system change is set to take place within the next two weeks. The plan follows…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok waterways: 9.32 billion baht expansion plan unveiled

    In a proactive move to alleviate traffic congestion in Bangkok, Thailand’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is set to submit plans for the development of existing and potential canal routes. Underpinning these Bangkok waterways plans is the promotion of passenger boat transportation as a practical solution to the city’s notorious traffic issues. On the specifics of…

  • Thailand News

    Traffic safety: Ten main traffic laws enforced over long public holiday

    Royal Thai Police yesterday under the leadership of Roy Inkpairoj, Deputy Commander of the Police Force, rolled out a campaign to enforce ten key traffic safety rules during the long public holiday period from July 28 to August 2. The measures taken to protect citizens during their holiday travels aim to prevent and reduce road accidents. Inkpairoj issued a radio…

  • Bangkok News

    Man’s refusal to cross Bangkok traffic junction sparks social media speculation (video)

    In a puzzling incident in Bangkok‘s Don Mueang district, a man triggered a public stir as he persistently refused to cross a traffic light junction on his motorbike, obstructing local commuters. The mysterious behaviour occurred today and swiftly made the rounds on social media platforms, where users speculated about his potential motives, ranging from health concerns to a potential phobia…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok utilises AI-assisted cameras for traffic control, pedestrian safety

    An intrusive blare rings out as a vehicle pulls up to the traffic lights at the Wong Sawang intersection. A Thai message reverberates in the air, courteously requesting, “Please don’t obstruct the zebra crossing. Thank you.” The alarm and its accompanying reminder will persist relentlessly until all drivers awaiting the signal’s shift from red to green have relocated their vehicles…

  • Thailand News

    Bangkok adopts AI-assisted traffic cameras to curb violations, enhance safety

    Bangkok authorities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to crack down on traffic violations by installing AI-assisted traffic cameras at over 200 intersections across the city. Wisanu Subsompon, Deputy Governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), announced that these cameras will first be installed at 20 major intersections this month as part of a pilot project. Arun Amarin and…

  • Pattaya News

    Thepprasit Road upgrade aims to reduce accidents, accommodate underground cables

    In Pattaya, the construction of traffic islands on Thepprasit Road has sparked concerns among residents and business owners. Pattaya City Mayor Poramese Ngampiches reported he addressed these concerns, explaining that the traffic islands are part of a project to upgrade the road and its surrounding areas to accommodate future underground electrical cables, thus avoiding the need for re-excavation. Mayor Poramese…

  • Transport News

    Free shuttle bus services to ease Bangkok traffic on school routes

    School routes in Bangkok might soon see a bit less traffic. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to offer free shuttle bus services connecting Samsen Road to various areas in Thon Buri to alleviate traffic congestion when schools reopen tomorrow. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt spoke after a trial run, stating that the shuttle bus services will help mitigate heavy traffic…

  • Pattaya News

    Pattaya tourism boom leads to a traffic nightmare

    As tourism in Pattaya continues to recover at an incredible pace, the city is faced with a downside – heavy traffic. Two significant bottlenecks were observed this month: one on Thepprasit Road, close to the Kaan and Colosseum theatres, and another on Second Road close to the South Road intersection. Additionally, areas such as Soi Regional Land in south Pattaya…

  • Tourism News

    Minister Pipat gets earful about Phuket tourism issues

    Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn visited Phuket yesterday to listen to the range of critical infrastructure issues harming the local tourism industry. These issues include mafia-run hotels, problematic taxi drivers, heavy traffic, and a shortage of tap water. The meeting was held at the Andaman Health Promotion Coordination Center Conference Room at the Prince of Songkhla University Phuket…

  • Thailand News

    Over 500 drivers in Thailand have traffic points deducted on first day of new system

    Thailand’s new driving penalty point system proved to be a challenge for over 500 drivers on the first day of its implementation. The new system came into effect yesterday, and 540 drivers in the country had points deducted. According to the spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police Major General, Archayon Kraithong, the top three offences that got points deducted were:…

  • Transport News

    Traffic fines see a hefty price spike on Monday

    Bad and disobedient drivers better get it out of their systems quickly over the weekend! On Monday, increased fines for traffic offences – some rather steep – will go into effect in Thailand after the Land Traffic Act is updated. Yesterday, the Director of the Traffic Management Center and Deputy National Police Chief laid out a list of hefty new…

  • Phuket News

    Upcoming Phuket construction project to be completed next year

    A huge construction project starting next month in Phuket is expected to be completed in April 2023. Officials have allocated over 59 million baht to the underground construction project in the island province’s main city district. Photos from The Phuket Express show a blue arrow pointing to spots where underground cables with low voltage will go, while a red arrow…

  • Transport News

    Thai police given new power to arrest fine-avoiding motorists

    A new regulation has given power to the Royal Thai Police to arrest people who fail to pay their driving penalties on time. Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, says if motorists do not pay their fines, a warrant for their arrest will be filed. If a motorist receives a ticket, either in person…

  • Bangkok News

    Bangkok’s new governor requests a year to study traffic solutions for the city

    Bangkok’s newly elected governor has requested a year to study how best to solve the city’s traffic problems. In a meeting with metropolitan police today, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt outlined plans to set up a traffic command centre, which will cooperate with several other institutions. These include traffic police, the Transport Ministry, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, the metro system, and…

  • Road deaths

    Prayut says government wants to cut Thailand’s road deaths by 2 thirds

    Thailand’s PM Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday announced another major goal in reducing Thailand’s infamous problem with road deaths. At a Bangkok forum titled “New Decade, New Normal, Safe Driving Is Priority”, Prayut said the government aims to cut the number of road deaths by almost 2 thirds by 2027. Thailand has the ninth highest road death rate in the world, with…

  • Thailand News

    Local coffee shop fined 500 baht for tables placed on a crosswalk

    Following the fatal accident where a police officer crashed his Ducati into a woman walking across the crosswalk, authorities throughout the country are tightening measures around traffic enforcement and working on ways to improve pedestrian safety. Many are now sharing photos of recently painted crosswalks, many painted a vibrant red to alert drivers to slow down. But one crosswalk in…

  • Thailand News

    Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon discusses Phuket pedestrian safety

    Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon brought up pedestrian safety crossings yesterday at an online meeting with a road safety policy committee, and the interior minister. Phuket officials have now been told to paint warning lines ahead of pedestrian crossings, letting drivers know they will have to slow down soon. The group also talked about the new points system that started in…

  • Phuket News

    Hundreds barred daily on Phuket bridge lacking Covid-19 docs

    Police are warning people that if you’re going to drive into Phuket, you better have a negative Covid-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival or proof you are fully vaccinated or you will be turned away. The officers guarding the land entrance onto Phuket Island said they are turning away as many as 500 drivers per day who…

  • Bangkok News

    Police banned from time off over Christmas, New Year holiday

    With an expected swell of holiday weekend travellers, cars on the road, and people celebrating the New Year holiday, the Royal Thai Police broke some bad news to the 80,000-member police force: officers are not allowed to take any holiday leave for the end of the year. The announcement ordered 80,000 police officers that no extra days off or holiday…