The accompanying photo is circulating on Facebook that makes it clear what is wrong with traffic in Bangkok.

The photo shows how buses are blocking six lanes of outgoing traffic from Bangkok's Phahon Yothin Road. This road is located at the Mor Chit Skytrain station and continues to the Lat Phrao intersection.

Minivans and taxis are competing with buses to pick up passengers. Although buses and trucks are not allowed to use the right lane, they still use it to pass other vehicles. They then cut off other traffic by swerving to the left and allowing passengers to board.

A number of buses even stop in the middle of the road to allow passengers to get on and off, which is of course very dangerous. In addition, they block all other traffic.

There are traffic rules against this kind of practice, but as usual there is no enforcement. And if it is there then it is not consistent. Given the low fines, most drivers are not afraid of the police or a fine.

3 thoughts on “Why traffic in Bangkok is chaotic”

  1. Jacques says up

    It's amazing how that one taxi driver maneuvered himself in between.
    What I remember about that place near the weekend market is that the minibuses are parked there for a long time. The second lane is more or less blocked by taxis. Bus drivers create their own solution to reach the bus stops. Real Bangkok.

    I take the escalator up there to Mo Chit skytrain station.

  2. RonnyLadPhrao says up

    “Some buses even stop in the middle of the road to let passengers get on and off, which is of course very dangerous. In addition, they block all other traffic.”

    Seems to me otherwise in this situation just about the safest place to get in and out. 😉

  3. HansNL says up

    Don't live in Bagkok thankfully.

    In Khon Kaen we only have Songtaews and Tuktuks.

    And guess what, the Songtaews, also known as baht buses, cause most of the congestion in Khon, have no qualms about occupying all lanes, or having competitions to get to the next stop first.

    That is why traffic in Khon Kaen is becoming so chaotic.

    The police?


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