Bangkok tackles cable clutter ahead of IMF-World Bank meetings

Chadchart says decades-old problem requires cooperation by many agencies to resolve

Bangkok is stepping up efforts to tackle its long-standing problem of tangled overhead power and communications cables ahead of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings next month.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is working with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, telecoms agencies and other partners to organise cables and gradually move them underground in key areas, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday.

The efforts are aimed at improving orderliness, safety and appearances in Bangkok ahead of the meetings, which are expected to draw thousands of senior finance executives, central bankers and government officials from around the world.

Mr Chadchart said tangled communications cables had been a chronic problem in Bangkok for decades and could not be solved by any single agency because they involved several authorities and service providers.

An integrated approach was needed, including planning to move power and communications cables underground, organising existing cables and removing those no longer in use, he said.

Technicians from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and telecommunications agencies join the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in moving power and communications cables on Rama IV Road on Wednesday. (Photo: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)

Three approaches

He divided the work into three approaches. The first involves moving power cables underground, removing electricity poles and relocating communications cables underground at the same time. This is considered the most effective, but requires considerable time and funding, so it will be carried out in areas that are ready and suitable.

The second involves placing communications cables in underground conduits where it is not yet possible to move all power cables underground. Existing underground conduit infrastructure will be used to organise large numbers of communications cables and reduce the number of cables strung from electricity poles.

The third approach, which can be carried out more quickly, involves organising communications cables on electricity poles by identifying and removing unused cables and reorganising those that remain in use.

Mr Chadchart said all three approaches would be used in other areas of the capital. He stressed that cooperation among all relevant agencies would be essential, as resolving the cable problem requires a coordinated and systematic effort.

The areas being prioritised for cable organisation and underground installation ahead of the IMF-World Bank meetings include Wireless (Withayu) Road, Rama IV Road, parts of Sathon Road and Lumpini Park.

Mr Chadchart said City Hall is also developing a system to prevent the problem of cable clutter from recurring. Agencies and service providers wishing to install new cables on power poles will have to follow the proper procedures and obtain the required permits or face legal action.

The 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group will take place from Oct 12 to 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. About 15,000 delegates and visitors are expected to attend the event, which Bangkok last hosted in 1992.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt speaks to reporters about City Hall’s work to tackle the decades-old problem of tangled overhead power and telecommunications cables. (Photo: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration)