Integrating the use of CCTV to solve Bangkok’s problems

Integrating the use of CCTV to solve Bangkok’s problems

Prof Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak

Senior Fellow, Harvard Univerisity’s Center for Business and Government

          One of Bangkok Governor, Mr Apirak  Kosayodhin’s policies, arising from security issues in the past three years is the installation of Closed-Circuit Television or CCTV in some areas of Bangkok. However, the use of CCTV technology as part of Bangkok’s security plan raises questions as to the infallibility of this technology. It is a well known fact that CCTV technology may be integrated for use beyond the mere protection of life and property.

           The main objective of a CCTV system is its use as a support tool ensuring the security of life and property. It also supports the work of municipal officers, and the police department, a department directly responsible for the maintenance of peace in Bangkok communities. A CCTV system reduces tasks and the number of officers needed to penetrate each specific area. In London, for example, using CCTV could reduce the number of security officers and simultaneously increase the effectiveness of criminal arrests.

           In Bangkok, more than three hundred cameras have been installed in the inner city area, with another 1,023 cameras installed in thirty seven districts, including traffic light junctions, flyovers, BTS parking lots, Sanam Luang, dangerous alleys, the Chao Phraya Pier, Sansab Canal, bus terminals, and other locations.

           However, installing a large quantity of CCTV sets may not be of direct benefit to Bangkok residents if the use of CCTV is still limited to only state departments and those guarding life and property. CCTV technology hasn’t yet been fully integrated to solve other problems, such as traffic jams, the lack of emergency rescue services, and so on.

           In London, there is cooperation between business owners and state departments to link CCTV systems together, which increases the potential of CCTV to protect and take care of people. What happened at London’s Marks & Spenser’s store on one occasion provides a good example of such cooperation. When a robbery took place in the store, the criminal fled the scene. However, after contacting the CCTV control centre, the store could launch a search for this person and finally apprehend him. If Bangkok business enterprises and state departments could be linked together on an entire CCTV system, keeping all information together under a confidentiality agreement, greater security would result for human life and property.

           In addition, a CCTV system may be integrated into the traffic and transportation system. In Britain, CCTV will be installed on underground train stations, not only to guard these train stations, but also to examine the number of people using the underground trains, in order to establish better service provision. Moreover, CCTV is linked to city traffic management, whereby traffic police can use database information to control road traffic, examine the occurrence of road accidents, and manage the system to avoid traffic jam areas, for just a few examples. It will increase the effectiveness of traffic management, and provide assistance for road accident victims. In addition, the CCTV system will be used to catch drivers exceeding the speed limit, and will enable number plate detection for cars that infringe the law.

           In conclusion, a CCTV system will have the potential to reduce numerous city problems if the plan is integrated with other systems appropriately. It will be good for Bangkok to install CCTV cameras in many areas. Though requiring camera set up in a number of necessary places, what will be more important is to integrate this system with other systems in order to ensure the highest benefit. This will also imply the high professional management of Bangkok’s City Governor.