Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) applies lessons learned from Makkasan intersection, ordering urgent physical road improvements and the deployment of traffic signal technology, piloting upgrades at 32 railway crossings citywide.
On 18 May 2026 at Bangkok City Hall, Dr. Wisanu Sapsomporn, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, revealed plans to address traffic congestion and accident issues at the Makkasan railway crossing (Asoke-Din Daeng Road) following a joint meeting with advisors and related agencies. This meeting was a key agenda in the final phase of the current administration. The BMA concluded with a master plan to sustainably enhance safety and alleviate traffic congestion, delivering the plan to operational agencies for immediate implementation.
Dr. Wisanu explained that the Makkasan crossing faces overlapping challenges of accident risks and severe traffic jams, especially during morning rush hours with traffic volumes exceeding 3,000 vehicles per hour. The main cause is the conflict between left-turning vehicles from Kamphaeng Phet 7 Road and through traffic from Rama 9 intersection, causing vehicles from Rama 9 intersection to slow and accumulate, blocking the railway crossing.
Therefore, the BMA plans a three-step urgent intervention: 1) Physical road improvements by modifying the median island to widen the left-turn lane from Kamphaeng Phet 7 Road for smoother turns; 2) New traffic signal arrangements requiring left-turning vehicles from Kamphaeng Phet 7 to stop at signals, allowing through traffic from Rama 9 intersection to pass the railway crossing without blockage; and 3) Implementation of adaptive traffic signal systems, programming new controls so signals at Makkasan intersection respond in real time to traffic volumes and coordinate with signals at the adjacent Asoke intersection.
Beyond traffic measures, the BMA has a medium-term plan to apply advanced technology to prevent accidents and reduce human error. This includes installing train detection sensors that send early warnings to traffic signals to turn red before a train arrives, alongside vehicle monitoring cameras at crossings. If vehicles are detected stalled on the tracks, the system will send emergency alerts to train drivers to slow or stop the train promptly.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that these plans require integrated cooperation among multiple agencies. For road physical improvements, the BMA will assign the Department of Public Works to design and coordinate permissions with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). Sensor installation and integration will involve consultations with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The BMA will support the traffic signal technology and hand over operational control to traffic police officers for management.
Dr. Wisanu viewed past tragic incidents as important lessons for structural solutions. He hopes that applying intelligent technology at Makkasan crossing will become a model to raise safety standards across all 32 railway crossings throughout Bangkok in the future.