Bangkok’s new speed limit has been in effect for over a month, but traffic police are still waiting for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to install artificial intelligence (AI) security cameras to assist with enforcement.
The BMA introduced the new regulations on December 23, reducing speed limits to 60 km/h on most roads in the capital—except for 13 major routes—and 50 km/h in the vicinity of the Grand Palace.
Roads with Different Speed Limits
The 13 roads exempt from the 60 km/h limit include Vibhavadi Rangsit, Bang Na-Trat, Srinakarin, Phahon Yothin, Ram Intra, Ratchaphruek, Baromratchonnanee, Kanlapaphruek, Rom Klao, Suwinthawong, Chaengwattana, Rama III, and Srinakarin-Rom Klao roads.
Meanwhile, a stricter 50 km/h limit has been set for 10 roads surrounding the Grand Palace, where honking is also prohibited. These roads include Ratchadamnoen Nai, Na Phra That, Prachan, Na Phra Lan, Sanam Chai, Kalayana Maitri, Thai Wang, Maha Rat, Rachini, and Setthakan roads.
Aiming to Reduce Accidents
Pol Maj Gen Thawat Wongsanga, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s traffic division, stated that the new speed limits are intended to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Previously, Bangkok allowed speeds of up to 80 km/h.
“Among 195 countries, Bangkok was one of the few that had not lowered urban speed limits, placing it alongside nations like Rwanda, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, San Marino, Bangladesh, and India,” he said. “Additionally, Bangkok ranks among the top five cities in the world for road accidents.”
Lowering speed limits is crucial, as higher speeds significantly increase the risk of crashes and fatalities. According to the World Health Organization, a 1% rise in average speed results in a 4% increase in fatal crash risk and a 3% increase in serious crash risk.
For pedestrians, the risk of death when struck by a vehicle moving at 65 km/h is 4.5 times greater than at 50 km/h. Car-to-car collisions at 65 km/h can result in an 85% fatality rate.
Despite the safety benefits, many Bangkok motorists remain opposed to the lower speed limits. “People must understand that enforcing this law is essential to saving lives,” Pol Maj Gen Thawat said, noting that other countries enforce even lower urban speed limits.
AI Cameras for Enforcement
To effectively monitor speed violations, traffic police plan to use AI-powered security cameras, as there aren’t enough officers to patrol all roads. Violators will receive tickets by mail. However, enforcement has been slow due to delays in camera installation by the BMA.
Beyond law enforcement, road safety education is also lacking. A cabinet resolution in 2023 called for the Ministry of Education to introduce traffic safety into school curricula, but little progress has been made.
“In Japan, children learn about road safety from a young age, including how to use emergency exits on buses and cross streets safely,” a source noted. “Thailand needs similar education programs.”
Public Transport a Key Issue
Wiwit Thongtongkham, a local driver, pointed out that many Bangkok residents rely on private vehicles due to the city’s inadequate public transport system.
“Improving public transportation—making it affordable and accessible across all areas—would help reduce road accidents,” he said. “Otherwise, convincing people to drive less and accept speed restrictions will remain a challenge.”
