Bangkok City Hall has installed footpath barriers to deter motorcyclists from riding on sidewalks and said more are being added citywide.
Critics argue the measure targets the wrong problem, pointing instead to weak law enforcement that has led to costly solutions.
The “S-Guard” steel barriers were installed at the Rama IV-Sukhumvit (Phra Khanong) intersection.
The area has long drawn complaints, as long distances between U-turns and nearby alleys encourage wrong-way riding. Heavy traffic and large vehicles on all lanes of the road also cause riders to head for the footpath.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) says local residents have reported clear improvements, citing reduced danger and noise.
Residents also praised the design for blocking motorcycles while allowing access for wheelchair users, cyclists and tourists with luggage, it said.
Online comments, however, were less enthusiastic.
“With just discipline, there would be no need to waste the budget or make walking harder — especially for the elderly or those using wheelchairs,” wrote one Facebook user.
Another comment reads, “If there was real awareness and serious enforcement of the law — checking cameras and issuing fines — there wouldn’t be any need to spend money on barriers.”
Concerns about inconvenience for disabled pedestrians have been raised since 2017, with some calling on City Hall to remove the poles.
City Hall said between 2025 and 2026, more than 2,000 riders were fined, totalling over 100,000 baht, with over 1,000 cases sent to prosecutors.
