Road closures are all too familiar to motorists in Bangkok, especially during rush hour, but perish the thought police will leave MPs and VIPs stuck in traffic - because they always have such pressing matters to attend to, unlike ordinary commuters.
On Monday afternoon, the congestion at Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit 21 was even heavier than usual, with the tail stretching back about two kilometres. But there was no road accident or construction work going on there; not even self-important politicians or VIPs passing through.