In a vibrant metropolis like Bangkok, the city is always abuzz with activity, colors, and lights. But recently, it seems some of those lights have been a bit too dazzling for comfort, creating disturbances for the city’s residents. Enter the newly proposed draft Bangkok Act, meticulously designed to bring clarity and peace to a matter that’s been casting quite a glare—LED advertising signs.
This proposal took center stage at the bustling Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) meeting, a setting as dynamic as the city itself. The year’s third ordinary session kicked off in the elegant Irawatpattana Building of Bangkok City Hall, nestled in the lively district of Din Daeng.
Chadchart, a voice of reason amid the twinkling chaos, highlighted the crux of the issue—LED signage that bathes expressways across Bangkok in a glow too intense for comfort. Residents living in close proximity have felt the brunt of this luminous exuberance, struggling with its overwhelming brightness. Yet, the law hadn’t shed any light on what precisely constitutes an ‘excessive’ brightness. Until now.
With the draft act, Chadchart explained, the aim was not only to put an end to the luminescent overindulgence but also to carve out clear-cut guidelines for what would be deemed an acceptable brightness level. Science had yet to provide a precise measure, but this act seeks to bridge that gap.
“The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is proposing this draft Bangkok Act to establish definitive criteria for permissible light emission from advertising signs,” he detailed, painting a picture of a future where residents feel secure and drivers aren’t blinded by burgeoning blazes of illumination. “This will help shape a standard,” Chadchart affirmed confidently.
He added with conviction, “While the current signs are indeed a nuisance, pinpointing responsibility is murky. We need these standards to safeguard citizen welfare while ensuring private investments don’t stray into the realm of excessiveness.”
The draft, affectionately dubbed the ‘Bangkok Act,’ meticulously outlines the thresholds for light emitted by electric signs, syncing seamlessly with the existing Ministerial Regulation. It also dances in perfect rhythm with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act BE 2528 (1985) and its subsequent adaptations.
Digging into the details, the draft act specifies allowable light intensity with precision:
- Between 7 am and just before 7 pm, the glow shouldn’t surpass 5,000 candelas per square meter.
- From 7 pm to just before 7 am the next morning, that luminous output should fall below 500 candelas per square meter.
Signs that dare to outshine these stipulations will be labeled as nuisances or traffic menaces, with their glitzy glare potentially obstructing visibility and compromising driving safety. Staying true to its duty, the Governor of Bangkok will have the authority to act decisively in line with this new regulation.
In a move toward swift action, the BMC has already given a nod of approval to the draft act and forthwith commissioned a special committee. Their task? To usher in thoughtful amendments within the next five days and diligently review those changes over a 60-day period, ensuring the path ahead is as clear as the city skyline at dusk.
#GoodSafety #GoodHealth #GoodManagement #BMA #BMC #Bangkok #LED #lighting #disturbance #residents
It’s about time someone addressed the blinding light pollution in Bangkok. Those LED signs are a real nuisance, especially when driving at night.
I don’t know, I kind of like the bright lights. They make the city feel alive and vibrant!
Sure, but there’s a difference between vibrant and hazardous. Safety should be our priority.
Why ban bright lights? It’s just another example of government overreach. People should be free to light up their property however they like.
This isn’t about infringing on freedom, Sammy. It’s about mitigating the negative impact of light pollution on residents and the environment.
I just think people are too sensitive these days. What’s next? Banning colorful clothes because they’re distracting?
Comparing clothes to LED signs is not a fair argument. The issue here is about safety and well-being, not aesthetics.
Finally, someone is taking action. These new regulations will help reduce accidents caused by intense brightness from LED signs.
Accidents are usually caused by bad drivers, not bright lights. People just need to pay more attention to the road.
While driver responsibility is key, reducing distractions is a preventative measure. Why not minimize risk where we can?
But doesn’t LED brightness depend on context? Are these limits applicable in all parts of the city equally?
The draft outlines uniform regulations, but maybe they should consider exceptions for certain areas. Flexibility can be key to effective implementation.
Exactly, TechGuru89! We don’t want generic rules that don’t consider the unique aspects of different neighborhoods.
It’s an interesting balancing act between business interest and public safety. I wonder how investors feel about this new act.
Implementing this act could set a precedent for other cities struggling with similar issues. Lead the way, Bangkok!
I doubt these measures will be adequately enforced. Once the attention dies down, it’ll be business as usual.
That’s a valid concern, but keeping public interest alive will be key. Citizens need to stay engaged and hold officials accountable.
True, Faith. I hope people care enough to keep pressing for change.
Are there any studies on the health impact of bright LED lights on urban populations? That could really help make a stronger case for this act.
Yes, there are studies suggesting excessive exposure to artificial light can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. It’s a valid environmental health concern.
Some businesses rely on these bright displays for advertising. I hope there’s room for compromise without hampering their ability to operate effectively.
If executed well, this act could enhance the urban aesthetic. Less bright doesn’t mean less beautiful. We could see more creative sign designs.
I hope this doesn’t just become another one of those policies that exist only on paper and never see real-world application.
Remember, it’s not just about drivers—pedestrians are affected too when navigating brightly lit areas, especially those with sensitive eyes.
A very good point, Harry. Pedestrian comfort should be weighted significantly in these regulations.
Why doesn’t the BMA just invest in better streetlights if they’re concerned about brightness instead of restricting business owners?
There’s cultural significance too. Bangkok’s nightlife is iconic, and this has been partly due to our extravagant light displays.
I see the intent behind this, but global cities have thrived before LED tech. There are alternative ways to appeal to audiences without excessive glow.