Buriram Residents Oppose Street Light Power-Saving Measure, Seek Review

On May 7, 2025, Chaiwithi Bursomboon, Director of the Buriram Highway Department, assigned electrical engineer Suwit Sareenram and staff to inspect the implementation of the street light shutdown measure on secondary roads to conserve electricity under the government policy that began on May 1, 2025. The survey of Highway 2073 identified four light-off sections using both alternating and consecutive shutdown patterns, focusing on low-risk areas that are not residential zones, dangerous curves, or high-traffic routes.

After implementing the shutdowns since May 1, one section received public feedback indicating the darkness posed accident risks, prompting officials to restore lighting in that area. Other sections have not reported problems and continue operating under the energy-saving policy. However, resident Nittaya Kotrowong from Lamplaimat District expressed her disagreement with turning off lights, particularly on main roads with regular traffic, citing increased accident risks. She called for the government to reconsider the measure, though she supports energy conservation efforts, and suggested alternative measures that don't endanger public safety.

Suwit Sareenram reported that the Buriram Highway Department has implemented light shutdowns on six secondary routes numbered with four digits, targeting low-risk areas excluding communities, intersections, and dangerous curves with light traffic. Reflective safety equipment has been installed as replacements to ensure drivers can see clearly. While some sections received feedback about increased accident risks and were restored, other sections continue operating under the policy as surveys confirmed they are low-risk with sparse traffic and adequate reflective safety devices.