The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has defended the need for numerous lane markers at the Bang Phlat intersection in Bangkok amid a debate among drivers about whether they work.
The agency said on its Facebook account that the temporary markers are up to standard and intended to guide drivers to keep their vehicles pointed in the right direction.
The lines were drawn after the MRTA monitored traffic flows at the intersection without markers for one week from April 25, it said. With the lanes now clearly outlined, there will be less risk of drivers straying into the paths of other moving vehicles, it added.
The Bang Phlat intersection before the lane markers were painted. (Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand photo)
Drivers who use the intersection regularly are being forced to take detours as a mass-transit contractor will soon begin building a support structure crossing the intersection in Bang Phlat district.
SH-UN Joint Venture won the contract for the civil work on the sector passing Bang Phlat for the extension of the Blue Line from Tao Pun to Tha Phra.
Viewed from a high angle, the lane markers look like a random tangle of wires to some motorists. Confusion has grown since the images were posted on social media and later taken up by mainstream media.
Even followers of the MRTA Facebook account were split into two camps when they commented. Most said the lanes were helpful for driving but not everyone agreed with them.
"It looks confusing when looking at them from above. And it was even more confusing when I was on the road. It took me some time to get used to it," one wrote.
Another commented that the dotted lines "look like a dress pattern from Kwanruen" -- a popular women's magazine.