Thailand waives motorway, expressway fees for Songkran

2026-03-26 - 06:10

BANGKOK — 26 March 2026, Thailand will waive toll fees on several motorways and expressways during the Songkran holiday period in April 2026, authorities said, as part of efforts to ease travel and reduce congestion. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) will exempt tolls on the Burapha Withi and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat) expressways for seven days, from 00:01 on 10 April to 24:00 on 16 April 2026. Tolls on the Udon Ratthaya and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways will be waived for three days, from 13 to 15 April. The Department of Highways will also waive fees on three motorway routes: Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok–Pattaya), Motorway No. 9 (outer ring road: Bang Pa-in–Bang Phli and Phra Pradaeng–Bang Khae), and Motorway No. 81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi). Special traffic measures will be introduced on Motorway No. 6 (Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima), which will be fully opened. The Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section will operate outbound only from 10 to 13 April, and inbound only from 14 to 19 April, while the Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima section will remain open in both directions. Motorway No. 82 will also open a 10-kilometre հատված between Bang Khun Thian and Ekachai. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said all agencies have been instructed to ensure sufficient public transport services, prevent passenger backlogs and strictly prohibit fare overcharging. He added that fuel supplies must remain adequate throughout the travel period, while additional lighting will be installed along routes to improve safety at night. Heavy trucks will be asked to suspend operations during peak travel days, and mobile service units will be deployed to assist motorists. The Transport Ministry urged the public to plan journeys in advance, use energy efficiently and drive safely to ensure smooth travel during the Songkran festival.