Traffic & Airport Noise Complaint Guide Thailand
Traffic and airport noise complaints in Thailand. Health impacts, community rights, and noise mitigation.
Traffic and airport noise are significant environmental health issues in Thailand. Millions of residents living near major highways, elevated expressways, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, and other regional airports experience chronic noise exposure that affects sleep, cognition, and cardiovascular health.
The WHO recommends that road traffic noise should not exceed 53 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night for outdoor areas. Airport noise should not exceed 45 dB(A) at night. In Thailand, the Pollution Control Department monitors ambient noise near major roads and airports, and residents have the right to request noise measurements and mitigation measures.
Communities near airports can pursue noise compensation and mitigation through the Airports of Thailand (AOT) community relations programme and through formal complaints to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. For road traffic noise, complaints are directed to the Department of Highways, the Department of Rural Roads, or the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration depending on the road type.
What You Can Do About Traffic and Airport Noise
- 1. Measure and document: Use a calibrated sound level meter or professional acoustic assessment to document noise levels inside and outside your home.
- 2. File a complaint with PCD: Contact the Pollution Control Department on 1650. PCD monitors roadside and environmental noise levels and can order mitigation measures.
- 3. Contact the road authority: For highway noise, contact the Department of Highways (กรมทางหลวง). For Bangkok roads, contact the BMA.
- 4. Contact Airports of Thailand: For airport noise, contact AOT customer service to formally request noise insulation assistance or compensation assessment.
- 5. Seek collective action: Noise mitigation projects (sound barriers, noise insulation for homes) are more likely to succeed when communities organise and file collective complaints.
Noise Barriers and Insulation Rights
Residents living close to major roads or airports may be entitled to noise mitigation measures such as noise barrier walls or home insulation assistance, particularly if noise levels exceed national standards. Several communities near Bangkok's expressways have successfully obtained noise barrier installations through coordinated complaints to the Expressway Authority of Thailand.
If you live near Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport, you may qualify for the airport's noise insulation programme. Contact AOT directly to assess eligibility based on your property's location relative to the noise exposure contours.