Politics
Silom City Council Approves Revised Parking Ordinance, Permit Requirements Begin August 15
Silom residents who drive to work or shop along Silom Road and nearby sois will need annual parking permits priced at 600 baht starting next month.
How we reported this
At its regular session on July 7 the Silom City Council passed the updated municipal parking ordinance by a vote of 9 to 4. The measure requires permits for on-street parking in eight central zones and sets fees for visitors and residents alike. The ordinance directly affects vehicle owners who park on public streets between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
The changes follow a March 2026 transport department survey that recorded average occupancy rates above 85 percent on Silom Road during peak hours. Council records show the vote reallocates enforcement duties from the existing traffic unit to a new parking management office. Local advocates note the policy responds to repeated complaints from shop owners about blocked loading zones.
Workers employed at offices near Chong Nonsi BTS station will pay the resident rate of 600 baht per year for one vehicle. Visitors to the same blocks will use pay-and-display machines at 40 baht per hour. Enforcement officers begin issuing warnings on August 15 and fines of 500 baht from September 1. Residents without permits may no longer leave cars on marked curbs after 10 a.m. on business days.
Budget allocation and enforcement details
Council documents list an allocation of 4.8 million baht for new signage, handheld scanners and 12 additional enforcement staff through the end of 2027. The same papers project that permit sales will generate 9.2 million baht annually once the system reaches full operation. These figures appear in the supplementary budget motion approved alongside the ordinance.
Next steps for implementation
Permit applications open online on July 20 through the city website and at three district offices. The government says processing will take up to 10 working days. Full rollout of the pay-and-display machines is scheduled for September 30. City staff will hold two public information sessions on July 18 and July 25 at the Silom community hall to explain the zones and payment options.