Bangkok Hospital Traffic Lights

[Big Boy]

I was driving North through Hua Hin this evening when the lights turned red (yes they were turned on this evening despite it being a weekend). I stopped as I always do.

I had a Thai in the car who started talking very loudly/authoritatively telling me that these were not Government traffic lights, so I didn't have to wait. She was telling me to go, which I didn't. She didn't let up, and carried on telling me that they were Bangkok Hospital's traffic lights, and didn't have to be obeyed.

Although I wouldn't deliberately ignore a red light, it got me wondering, was she right? Are they private lights, outwith the jurisdiction of the authorities?

If that is what many Thais think/believe, it certainly explains their behavior at the lights.

[NOKYAI]

Begs the question of can anyone put up their own lights....mmmmmm now that gives me some ideas..

[hhinner]

Social media rumours become "well-known facts" pretty quickly. Especially when critical thinking isn't something taught at school or at home.

[usual suspect]

Changing the subject ever-so-slightly it would seem that around H.H. anyone can lay a mound of tarmac in the form of a speed-bump & that's it..it's there forever..no red/while markings or signage..

But..going back to the subject of 'private' traffic control using red lights, now that's new to me..& with the general law here being 'I've got money, I'll do as I please'..then the BKK hospital may just have swung it with the local district office to have the lights installed to act as a courtesy-thing..like an extention of their doorway, but without the doorman.
As a footnote Mrs U.S. agrees that No..you do not have to stop there..the lights are purely for the hospital's benefit..
...I feel a discusion brewing here...maybe even a poll..??

[HHTel]

Yes you have to stop. Anyone telling you different are mistaken. Same as the people who say that the traffic laws do not apply to motorcycles. Anyone in doubt, read the Road Traffic Act. With regard to the 'illegal' placing of 'sleeping policemen', report it to the Tessabahn who will remove it (and quite quickly) and if the culprit is found then they will be charged with the cost of the removal.
The lights at the BKK hospital are legal and if you choose to ignore them then you can be fined. If in doubt and you don't believe laws that are in place and documented, then ask the police or the Tessabahn.

[HHTel]

Further to my last, I'm sure some of you remember when police were supervising those lights (when they were first installed) and stopping people who jumped a red light and giving them a caution.

Only the week before last, several drivers were pulled in for jumping a red light.

As someone has pointed out 'social media' has much more clout than the actual laws of the country!!!!

[usual suspect]

Thanks for that HHTel
I will inform the Mrs. If, as has been said earlier..word gets out about these lights NOT in actual fact being legal, then as you suggest 'social media' will indirectly prompt more & more road users to ignore the lights...
..meaning Big Boy will need his ear-plugs in next time he stops there..555!

[hhinner]

The lights may well have been sponsored by the hospital, but that doesn't make them "illegal" and they were obviously included in the road improvements.

[oakdale160]

Talk, sense, you think any body could errect lights without paying a BIG fee to the police. It cost the hospital a big fee to get those lights installed. they are legal. Is the law enforced--what do you think? Welcome to Thailand.

[HHTel]

The Bangkok Hospital may have sponsored the traffic lights but 'paying a big fee to the police' - absolutely not. Other traffic enhancements are sponsored here. U-turn bridges are usually sponsored by local businesses. The police booths in HH are sponsored by McDonalds etc. Police jackets are sponsored by Market Village. The traffic system outside the Vana Nava water park was paid for by them.
Sponsoring the police is not unique to Thailand. It happens in many countries (including the UK).
This time, Oakdale, you are being over pessimistic.

[Name Taken]

There's a big difference between 'sponsoring' the Thai police and paying their salaries.

[Bristolian]

The Bangkok Hospital paid the local governement for the cost of the traffic lights as part of the road improvement. It is absolutely no different elswhere and there are many examples, such as the traffic lights outside the American Embassy in BKK, which were paid for by the Embassy. I don't see the issue. If the local government and planners agree that the lights make sense. It's the job of the police to ensure that road users obey the lights. The trafic lights are perfectly legal, irrespective of social media opinion.

[hhinner]

Outside Market Village would also be a good place for such a crossing. And maybe outside the new mall as well. Traffic might be affected a little bit but not much if the lights don't change too frequently.

[huahin4ever]

Instead of traffic lights, why not build more overpasses??? Imo that's the best thing to do. Safe crossings for pedestrians and uninterrupted flow of traffic!

[Lung Per]

Thai traffic rules and regulations seem to be indicative only. When you stop for red, chances are that someone may hit you from behind.