Bangkok City Hall Justifies Spending of 2.3 Billion Baht on CCTV Systems, Highlighting That 80% Goes Towards Maintenance Expenses
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Bangkok City Hall is investing 2.3 billion baht over the next three years in its CCTV network, with a significant portion of the budget allocated towards maintaining the system's smooth operation.
The first phase of the Bangkok Traffic and Security Technology Control and Management Centre is currently underway, with an expected operational date of February 2026. This centre will feature an advanced automated CCTV monitoring system, designed to promptly address malfunctions, adjust camera angles, and trim foliage that may obstruct views.
The CCTV cameras in Bangkok total 65,015 units across 16,623 locations, playing a crucial role in traffic management and crime prevention. These cameras are used for law enforcement, including traffic violation detection, sharing data with relevant agencies, and supporting police and anti-narcotics units.
Data from traffic violation detection cameras is linked to the Traffic Police Division for issuing electronic tickets, while information on motorcycles illegally using pavements is shared with district offices for enforcement under the Maintenance of Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country Act B.E. 2535 (1992). For crime prevention and suppression, vehicle data is relayed to various police and anti-narcotics units to support their operations.
Footage from the CCTV cameras is invaluable for criminal investigations, enhancing Bangkok's safety, and boosting tourism. The footage is also used to support the work of related agencies, making Bangkok's expenditure on CCTV cameras entirely transparent, compliant with all official regulations, and aimed at enhancing public safety.
Over 80% of the budget is allocated to maintenance costs, covering comprehensive maintenance, data management, communication infrastructure, circuit rental, and status monitoring. The procurement processes for the CCTV cameras strictly adhere to the Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017), while most projects utilise electronic bidding (e-bidding), with selective procurement only employed when necessary.
The DTT has engaged a private company for the oversight, inspection, and maintenance of the CCTV system, ensuring the network's continuous operation and reliability. The BMA's CCTV projects have been completed as per their contracts, with minor delays in a few instances due to unavoidable obstacles.
The remaining portion of the budget is allocated for purchasing and installing new cameras, as well as replacing faulty units. The pricing for both maintenance and new cameras is determined by central reference prices and specifications issued by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.
With this significant investment, Bangkok City Hall is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting the work of related agencies, and boosting tourism in the vibrant city of Bangkok.
- The CCTV expansion in Bangkok's infrastructure is a 2.3 billion baht investment over the next three years, with a focus on maintaining the technology's operational efficiency.
- The Bangkok Traffic and Security Technology Control and Management Centre is under construction, slated for operation in February 2026, featuring advanced CCTV monitoring systems.
- The city boasts a network of 65,015 CCTV cameras across 16,623 locations, playing vital roles in traffic management, crime prevention, and supporting law enforcement operations.
- Data from the CCTV cameras is utilized for issuing electronic tickets, enforcing laws against pavement-riding motorcycles, and aiding police and anti-narcotics units.
- The footage from these cameras is crucial for criminal investigations, increasing public safety, and enhancing Bangkok's tourism appeal.
- More than 80% of the budget is dedicated to maintenance costs, covering aspects like comprehensive maintenance, data management, communication infrastructure, and status monitoring.
- The Public Procurement and Supplies Management Act B.E. 2560 (2017) governs the CCTV procurement processes, with most projects utilizing electronic bidding (e-bidding).
