BANGKOK, THAILAND – Artificial intelligence has been deployed to prevent suicide attempts from bridges, starting with the Rama VIII Bridge over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
Project launch
The project was launched in March last year with support from the National Research Council of Thailand. Its aim was to use artificial intelligence to reduce suicides from bridges.
The first installation of AI-enabled devices took place on the Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat district. The system formed part of a pilot effort to test whether technology could improve early intervention.
Why Rama VIII Bridge was chosen
Pol Maj Gen Pitak Uthaitham said the Rama VIII Bridge was selected based on data showing it was the most frequently visited by people with suicidal tendencies. The location was therefore considered a priority for preventive measures.
The AI monitored the behaviour of people on the bridge and sent alerts to the police when it detected suspicious activity. These alerts were designed to trigger a rapid response from nearby officers.
How the AI system worked
The system identified behaviours that indicated a possible suicide attempt, such as pacing back and forth or trying to climb over the railing. These patterns prompted automatic warnings to law enforcement.
Once the police were alerted, officers rushed to the scene to stop potential jumpers. The goal was to intervene before anyone could go over the edge of the bridge.
Rescue measures in emergencies
If police arrived too late, the system could still determine the person’s location in the water. It then directed rescue teams to the exact spot.
This capability was seen as crucial for saving lives and increasing the chances of survival for those who had jumped. Authorities viewed it as an additional safety net alongside on-bridge intervention.
Future expansion
Pol Maj Gen Pitak stated that the project could be expanded to other bridges across the country that were also frequently used for suicides. Such an extension would build on lessons learned from the pilot in Bangkok.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau recently held a meeting to discuss the progress of the pilot project. Officials reviewed its performance and considered how the technology might be applied more widely.