The government has launched the “Ratchaprasong Model,” a project leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology to tackle traffic congestion in Ratchaprasong, a bustling business district that is also a popular tourist destination in the Thai capital.
The project’s launch in the Ratchaprasong district on Friday was led by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a Minister from the Prime Minister’s Office, and Deputy Minister Warawut Yanjareon.
The inauguration was supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Tourist Police Bureau, the Royal Thai Police, and leaders of local shopping centers.
This initiative aims to streamline traffic flow at intersections and enhance security and tourist safety in the area and along Ratchadamri Road. The traffic control strategy features an AI-powered system developed by the BMA.
This system employs CCTV cameras to identify and monitor vehicles, specifically taxis, buses, and tuk-tuks, that are parked in front of shopping malls for more than three minutes. Such parking violations are a primary cause of significant congestion in the area.
“Footage from the CCTV cameras that capture the vehicles’ licence plates will be used as evidence for issuing tickets. It will then be sent to the vehicle owners who are required to pay the fine.”
“We cannot send police to chase off illegally parked vehicles all the time,” stated Bangkok deputy governor Wisanu Subsompon. He further mentioned plans to extend this system to other areas of Bangkok.
Minister Puangpet emphasized the project as a pivotal initiative by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to boost the tourism sector, involving collaboration with various government and private entities around the Ratchaprasong intersection.
Local transport services and businesses will coordinate to provide parking, drop-off points, and waiting areas for passengers, aiming to further alleviate traffic congestion, according to Ms. Puangpet.
This AI-based traffic surveillance system is among five strategies deployed to address traffic congestion.
Additional measures include the installation of warning signs for tourists and patrons against using illegal transport services, strict enforcement of traffic laws against violators, and the imposition of social sanctions.
