To tackle the problem, all vehicles found producing noise levels beyond the legal limit of 95 decibels would be banned from using city streets for 30 days, he said.

Starting from May 7, their drivers will also face heavy fines as checkpoints will be set up in all 50 Bangkok districts to conduct random noise checks.

Stickers will be pasted on the banned vehicles and their owners will be given 30 days to repair them. The vehicles will then be re-inspected to ensure they do not exceed noise levels. If the vehicles are found on the streets before their noise levels have been reduced they will be permanently banned, Adisak said.

Motorcycles and buses are expected to bear the brunt of the crackdown.

The fine for buses found producing noise levels of 100 decibels or higher is Bt1,000 and for motorcycles Bt200. A maximum fine of Bt1,000 is imposed for vehicles with exhaust systems that have been modified in a way that produces excessive noise.

Citing a department survey, Adisak said noise levels detected at 27 inspection sites were measured at 70 decibels, a safe level for constant hearing, while the rate reached 90 decibels in other areas. Bamrung Muang, Sukhumvit, Taksin and Rama lV roads, and the around Victory Monument were the noisiest.

Of the about 30,000 city buses about 28 per cent produce excessive noise.