The Metropolitan Police Bureau recently ordered the traffic police to stop using automatic traffic lights in Bangkok and control them manually instead. The latest experiment represents the MPB's desperate attempt to fix chronic traffic congestion in Bangkok, which gets worse during the rainy season. Whenever there's a downpour, Bangkokians are stuck in traffic for hours, wasting a lot of time and petrol.
Feeling tired and stressed, they blame the traffic lights or other drivers, and they can often be seen engaging in road rage.
The MPB came up with an initiative that would see people control the system rather than let the automated traffic lights dictate the flow of traffic.
The rationale behind the change is that automated traffic lights are often inconsistent with the traffic conditions and fail to stem and promote the flow of traffic when appropriate.
It remains to be seen whether the manual traffic system will help improve traffic during rush hour, and how authorities will be able to track the performance of automated lights versus a manual light system.
It will also be a challenge for traffic police to coordinate with each other along major Bangkok streets to help traffic flow better.
And what about room for human error? For instance, if a traffic policeman feels tired or stressed out, what system is there in place that would act as a backup and help the officer during a lapse in concentration?
The latest initiative marks another attempt to fix Bangkok's traffic, considered to be among the world's worst. Bangkok and its perimeter have expanded very fast as part of rapid urbanisation.
The continuous sights in Bangkok are gridlocked roads where never-ending queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting roads; and the construction of subway and skytrain projects, railway crossings and toll gates of the expressway system.
Unequal employment opportunities have widened the development gap between Bangkok and the provinces even further. Many young people go from the provinces to Bangkok because there are not many jobs available for them in their hometowns.
According to the Tom Tom Traffic Index earlier this year, Bangkok had the second-worst traffic in the world after Mexico City.
The report said: "The capital city of Thailand is stated to be the most populous and traffic-congested city in the country. It is seen that, though it has an expressway network for vehicles, heavy traffic is still present due to the increased usage of private cars.
"The drivers there are seen to spend extra travel time of around almost 85% in the morning and 114% in the evening due to traffic."
The Transport Ministry in 2014 identified the five busiest roads in Bangkok. They are Ngam Wong Wan Road from Kaelai to Kaset; Sri Ayutthaya Road from Makkasan to Si Sao Theves; Sukhumvit Road from Bang Na to Phloenchit; Phaholyothin Road from Laksi to Lat Phrao; and Ratchadaphisek Road from Ratchavipha to Rama IX Road.
The ministry estimated in 2014 that motorists could only drive at 24 kilometres per hour on these roads. The latest figure would most likely be lower given the amount of construction being undertaken on these roads along with an increase in private cars.
The number of vehicles has increased drastically in Bangkok. In 2012, the number of vehicles registered in Bangkok was higher than the capacity of the capital's roads by 4.4 times. From 2002 to 2012, Bangkok saw a more than 5% rise in vehicles every year.
Despite the campaign to promote public transport, many Bangkokians still choose to get around in their own vehicles. This is because the mass transit system is not extensive enough to serve the demand from travellers.
The arrival time of public buses is inconsistent. This is not to mention the danger and number of accidents related to public transport, especially buses and motorcycles.
Despite the government's good intentions, the new initiative to use a manually operated traffic light system may not help fix the chronic traffic problems that are choking the city.
Automated lights are not the problem; it is the rise in the number of vehicles in Bangkok and the inefficient public transport system that fails to meet demand and serve people's needs. There is also a lack of discipline among motorists.
The traffic problem in Bangkok requires more than a manual light system. It needs sweeping changes that get to the root of the issue and a coordinated effort from all parties involved.