In the bustling heart of bustling Bangkok, in a scene straight out of an urban hubbub, imagine the arch of a rainbow over Ratchathewi intersection on Phaya Thai Road, captured forever in a photograph by the talented Apichart Jinakul on that memorable day, November 9, 2024. What stands as a benchmark moment in the city’s pulsating rhythm is a humble yet instrumental announcement by the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB). As of that defining moment, a new speed charter whispers through the city’s veins, a 60 kilometers per hour cap embracing the roads across the metropolis, breathing order into the chaotic symphony of street performances—a regulation carved into the pages of the Royal Gazette and blooming into life like a jasmine at dawn.
The etched design of traffic discipline, vital as the strings in a sitar’s tune, aims for harmony in the ballet of tires and tarmac. It draws a line, a ribbon of caution swaying in the Bangkok breeze, promising fewer bruised fenders and more serene drives through residential havens. But ah, the drama unfolds in those thirteen legendary thoroughfares, the tantalizing exceptions to the rule—where speed is the melody. Here, the game’s pace remains unchecked, inviting only the unwary pedestrian or the occasional unruly driver to dance the dance of timing:
- Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
- Bang Na-Trat Road
- Srinakarin Road
- Phahon Yothin Road
- Ram Intra Road
- Ratchaphruek Road
- Baromratchonnanee Road
- Kanlapaphruek Road
- Rom Klao Road
- Suwinthawong Road
- Chaengwattana Road
- Rama III Road
- Srinakarin-Rom Klao Road (new)
Meanwhile, under the august gaze of the Grand Palace, a different tune plays—a soulful ballad urging gentleness, a motive steeped in respect. Here, the speed slows to 50 kilometers per hour, with an unspoken request for silence echoing from the ages: “Please, no honking.” The quiet whispers of the streets that curve and meander through history are as follows:
- Ratchadamnoen Nai Road
- Na Phra That Road
- Prachan Road
- Na Phra Lan Road
- Sanam Chai Road
- Kalayana Maitri Road
- Thai Wang Road
- Maha Rat Road
- Rachini Road
- Setthakan Road
Around every bend and corner, where the kiss of rubber on asphalt speaks eloquently of caution and speed limits hold varying faces, the roads perform a sonnet of numbers—where the previously posted limits of 45 kilometers per hour persist like cherished old verses. The city orchestrates itself around these new benchmarks, grounded in the promise of safer neighborhoods and the endless enchantment of Bangkok’s ever-evolving tapestry. As the city moves on, it continues learning the dance of its own making, weaving stories at every crossroad and carving memories into the bricks and air.
Lowering speed limits is such a nanny-state move! Not gonna stop people from speeding.
But slowing down actually reduces accident severity. Isn’t safety important?
Safety is important, but not at the cost of personal freedom and driving efficiency.
What’s the point of driving if you can’t go fast? Biking is just as good for slow speeds.
Reduced speed limits can decrease emissions. Think about the environmental benefits!
Capping speeds could mean longer commute times, potentially increasing pollution!
Not if people adjust their driving smoothly. It’s about adaptation.
As a runner, I support these changes. It feels much safer to run on streets now.
Maybe you should stick to running tracks, buddy. Roads are for cars!
Cities should be safe for all, including pedestrians.
Are we really going to ignore those ‘legendary thoroughfares’? Speed isn’t checked there!
These exceptions are strategic for maintaining traffic flow.
I appreciate lower speeds, I can finally cross the road without fear!
Low speeds are a drag but I get it. Safety for the elderly, I suppose.
This feels like just another way for the police to make money on fines.
Totally! Just another revenue stream disguised as safety.
There’s a beauty in orderly traffic, unlike chaotic streets elsewhere.
Orderly is just code for boring. Cities should be vibrant and lively!
I hope these changes make biking safer too!
Yes! Streets belong to everyone, bikes included.
Children walking to school will benefit greatly. Safety over speed any day.
This will just cause traffic jams. Urban planning at its worst.
Approach it as a necessary infrastructure improvement. Short-term pain for long-term gain.
Living near Ratchadamnoen, I appreciate the quiet streets.
Why not focus on public transport improvements instead of speed limits?
Better public transport is a win-win!.. but it takes time.
This is a bold move that reflects a concern for the community’s wellbeing.
Or maybe it’s just a political stunt for the upcoming elections.
How effective will this be without proper enforcement?
My kids can finally play near the streets without me worrying about a speeding car.
Maybe it’s time for smart traffic signals that adjust to flow rather than fixed speed limits.
While traveling in Amsterdam, I noticed slower speeds and it felt much safer for tourists.
Back to my earlier point, enforcement seems arbitrary unless there are ample deployments.
They need cameras and tech solutions to monitor compliance effectively.
Imagine a Bangkok where everyone respects the lanes… Bliss!