The Bangkok Jungle of Cables: A Unique Urban Phenomenon

When you ride with ThailandBiking through cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, surprises await you. Initially, it won’t be the shiny temples or gleaming shopping malls that catch your eye. Furthermore, the chaotic tuk-tuks and taxis do not define the first impression for many travelers. Instead, most first-time visitors stare at the massive, tangled Bangkok jungle of cables.

These wires for electricity, telephone, and internet run through the city at a height of two to three meters. They resemble thick blood vessels in a human body. Workers regularly add new lines to the mass for new hotels, malls, and office towers. Consequently, the bundles grow heavier every year.

Circus Artists in the Streets

The installation process is truly a sight to behold. Men on flip-flops climb rattan ladders to add new wires. Sometimes, they hang dangerously from the bundles. They truly look like circus artists at work.

However, workers rarely remove the old, dead cables. As a result, this Bangkok jungle of cables sometimes blocks the view from windows. In rare cases, the wires even obstruct traffic lights. While locals accepted this for decades, a famous billionaire recently changed the conversation.

The Bill Gates Effect and the Future of the City

Microsoft founder Bill Gates once shared a photo of the Bangkok jungle of cables with his millions of followers. He noted how the heavy weight caused utility poles to lean dangerously. He used the image to discuss infrastructure challenges in developing nations.

This public comment sparked a massive reaction from Thai officials. Because Thailand proudly presents itself as a modern internet hub, the government took immediate action. The Prime Minister and the Governor of Bangkok allocated over one billion euros to a ten-year project. They decided to move these overhead lines underground.

See the Bangkok Jungle of Cables Before It’s Gone

The overhead lines have already disappeared along several main roads. However, many side streets still feature this “unintentional” tourist attraction. If you want to see the glorious Bangkok jungle of cables in its full complexity, now is the time to visit.

As the original Bangkok bicycle tour pioneer, we take you deep into the neighborhoods (Bangkok City Culture ride) where these urban jungles still exist. It is a unique part of the city’s history that won’t last forever. Take a look at our full range of tours here and book your adventure today!