BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok’s city administration pushed ahead with its smart traffic strategy and reported significantly shorter travel times thanks to a new AI‑controlled traffic light system at dozens of intersections.
New approach for clogged streets
Since 2024, the new system had been installed at 74 intersections across the capital, with another 50 junctions scheduled to follow later in the year, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The project responded to long‑standing problems with rigid signal programs that had previously operated independently of actual traffic volumes and often failed to keep up with rush‑hour demand.
How the AI traffic lights worked
The new control system used AI‑enabled CCTV cameras to analyse traffic in real time and automatically adjust the duration of red and green phases at each intersection.
Green phases were extended when queues of vehicles built up, shortened when roads were clear, and unnecessary waiting at empty junctions was avoided, aiming to keep the overall flow more stable.
Clear effects on major corridors
The 74 upgraded intersections were concentrated along heavily congested corridors such as Sukhumvit, Rama IV, Phahon Yothin, Ramkhamhaeng, Sathorn, Silom, Rama IX and Ploenchit.
According to an initial assessment by the BMA, travel times fell by between 10 and 41 percent, depending on location and traffic load, which officials said translated into more time for commuters’ daily lives.
Problem junctions show measurable progress
The city highlighted the particularly busy junctions at Phra Khanong and Sukhumvit 71 (Pridi Banomyong), where the adaptive signal phases halved overall cycle times from twelve to six minutes and significantly reduced waiting times.
Administrators stressed that the system prevented vehicles from getting stuck in the middle of intersections and thus helped keep traffic flowing more reliably.
Complex network with old and new technology
Bangkok was monitoring 746 intersections in total, of which 168 operated without signals and 578 were signal‑controlled, according to the BMA.
Of the signalised junctions, 433 still ran on fixed‑time schedules, 71 used an older adaptive system with induction loops, while the remaining intersections had already been switched to the new adaptive control technology.
End of the never‑ending red light?
City officials framed the project as a response to a familiar frustration for drivers stuck at red lights on empty roads.
“Do you know this: a red phase, no cars anywhere – and you still have to wait? That is exactly what is supposed to end now. The new AI traffic lights react to traffic volumes in real time and, according to the city, shorten travel times in some cases significantly.”
said Bangkok Post, citing the city’s description of the system.
The report also invited residents to consider the long‑term impact of the technology.
“Do you believe this will really reduce traffic jams in the long run? Or does Bangkok need completely different solutions to its traffic chaos?”
said Bangkok Post, calling on readers to share their views.