The Thai government is considering introducing a congestion charge to ease chronic traffic jams plaguing the capital Bangkok.

Traffic jams during morning and evening rush hours are a daily ordeal for Bangkok residents. Traffic jams not only cause economic losses but also add to air pollution.

The government is currently reviewing a plan to impose a daily congestion charge of around US$1.4 per vehicle entering central Bangkok.

The idea is to encourage people to use the elevated train, known as BTS, instead of driving. Funds raised from the congestion charge would be used to reduce train fares from about $1.8 currently to a flat rate of 60 cents.

Officials say they will study congestion charging models used in cities like London and Singapore to help them develop their plans.