Footage shows the notorious webs of black cables that were recently highlighted by actor Russell Crowe while he was filming in Thailand.

The star posted pictures online of the messy electrical and communication lines that are strung along roads, buildings and footbridges in the capital of Bangkok.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha responded by ordering officials to bury them underground to smarten up the capital city. He gave the directive to the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

Crowe said it was "fantastic news" that the cables would be removed.

Ministers have faced criticism over the unsightly and dangerous mess for several years but the cables remain in many areas of Bangkok.