Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has embarked on a mission to remove abandoned vehicles from public roads, aiming to alleviate traffic obstructions, restore the flow of traffic, and enhance safety for the residents of Bangkok. Since January 1, 2020, up until August 25, 2026, authorities have identified 1,870 abandoned vehicles across the city. A significant number of these, 1,554, were cleared by their respective owners, while district offices handled the relocation of 308 vehicles. Additionally, fines were imposed on 93 vehicles, and 156 were subsequently auctioned off. At present, 59 abandoned vehicles remain in storage.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Pornprom Na Wikitseth, personally oversaw the removal of an abandoned vehicle near Thung Mahamek School on Soi Narathiwat Ratchanakarin 8, Sathorn District, on August 27, 2026. He was joined by Mr. Thawatchai Paengthai, Director of Sathorn District, and other officials from the BMA's Enforcement Department and relevant agencies. This operation is part of a broader initiative led by the BMA, in collaboration with the Sathorn District Office, to regulate abandoned vehicles and improve pedestrian access and public safety.
The BMA's campaign has been supported by reports from citizens via the Traffy Fondue platform. In the case of the vehicle parked in front of Thung Mahamek School, initial efforts by the Sathorn District Office to locate the owner included public notices and coordination with the local police. Despite these efforts, no owner came forward, prompting the filing of a police report to document the incident.
The Municipal Enforcement Department successfully transported the vehicle to the Nong Khaem waste disposal center using a slide-bed truck. This vehicle will be stored for six months, after which it will be auctioned if unclaimed, in accordance with government regulations.
Statistics from the BMA's ongoing initiative indicate that a total of 1,870 abandoned vehicles have been addressed since early 2020. Of these, owner relocations accounted for 1,554 vehicles, district offices managed the removal of 308, fines were applied to 93, and 156 were auctioned, generating 1,023,800 baht in revenue. As of late August 2026, 59 vehicles remain stored at the Nong Khaem facility, with a second auction planned for November 6, 2026, targeting 30 vehicles that have been in possession for over a year.
The removal of abandoned vehicles is essential for maintaining order and safety, as stipulated by Section 18 of the Public Cleanliness and Order Act B.E. 2535 (1992). This legislation prohibits the dumping or leaving of vehicles on public roads, with violators facing fines up to 5,000 baht under Section 56.
Residents who encounter abandoned vehicles can report them to the BMA via Traffy Fondue or through their local district office's municipal enforcement department, facilitating further investigation and legal action.