Thailand's government is considering introducing a congestion charge to reduce the chronic traffic jams that plague the capital Bangkok.

Morning and evening rush-hour tailbacks are a daily ordeal for Bangkok residents. The traffic snarls not only cause economic losses but add to air pollution.

The government is reviewing a plan to impose a daily congestion fee of about 1.4 US dollars per vehicle entering central Bangkok.

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

Authorities say they will study congestion charge models used in cities such as London and Singapore to help develop their plans.