New Years Gift 2026: Ministry of Transport Offers Free Motorways and Expressways to Ease Travel Burden

Phiphat announced the Ministry of Transport's 2026 New Year's gift package, which includes free use of motorways, free expressway access, and reduced bus fares. The goal is to provide three major H-N-Y happiness benefits to Thai people nationwide: reassurance, convenience, and safety.

Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the Cabinet acknowledged the Ministry of Transport's "New Year's 2026 Gift" under the concept "H.N.Y 2569 – Happiness of All, Network of Care, Year of Safety," involving Ms. Mallika Jiraphanwanit, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Chayatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and executives from all agencies collaborating on measures to reduce expenses, increase travel options, and offer souvenirs as a token of gratitude to citizens using the state transport system throughout the year.

This New Year's gift package covers roads, railways, electric trains, buses, boats, and air travel, divided into three main groups of measures as follows:

H – Happiness of All: Traveling happily on every route.

• The Marine Department, together with Thai Smile Boat Company Limited, organized a “Nine Temples Pilgrimage Boat Ride for the New Year” using the electric MINE Smart Ferry, free of charge for the public.
• The Department of Land Transport (DLT) extended the period for annual vehicle tax payment via Drive Thru for Tax and transport offices, and prolonged registration for public motorcycle taxis in Bangkok to help drivers register properly with yellow plates.
• Meanwhile, the Department of Highways waived toll fees on Motorways No. 7 and 9 during the New Year period and temporarily opened Expressway No. 6 (M6) from Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima to reduce congestion on the Mittraphap Road. They also offered discount coupons for the Don Mueang Tollway.
• The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) increased special train services on the Northern, Northeastern, and Southern lines to accommodate travelers returning home and tourists, and opened advance ticket booking through the D-Ticket system.
• Additionally, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) waived toll fees on several main expressways including Burapha, Kanchanaphisek, Chalerm Maha Nakhon, Si Rat, and Udon Ratthaya. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) extended MRT Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink Line operating hours into the early morning of New Year's Day.
• The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) increased bus trips and extended operating hours on routes connecting to New Year's Eve prayer events at major temples, transport terminals, train stations, and airports.
• The Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) launched the “CATC Park and Go” project, offering free parking during the festival period upon online registration.
• Furthermore, The Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor) ran the "Go Early – Return Later" promotion, offering a 20% fare discount for tickets booked online.
• The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) provided free parking at its airports and organized New Year activities giving souvenirs, drinking water, Travel Kits, and "Nong Saijai" dolls to passengers.
• The Airport Rail Link Company Limited extended service hours until 2:00 a.m. on New Year's Eve and sold 7-day unlimited ride passes for students.
• Also, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) coordinated with six Thai airlines to reduce fares by up to 30% on popular routes, and increased flights and seating capacity to accommodate New Year travel.

N – Network of Care: Systematic and comprehensive care.

In terms of public care, the Ministry of Transport delivered gifts through a nationwide service network. The Department of Land Transport set up over 150 "Vocational Volunteer Centers to Assist the Public," established passenger protection centers for public transport, and launched the “Q Ride” app to verify taxi drivers and allow immediate complaints. The Department of Highways opened free rest stops and camping areas with drinking water, restrooms, 24-hour vehicle assistance, and recommended the "Highway Traffic" app for traffic updates. The Department of Rural Roads operated the 1146 DRR Contact Center hotline providing information and coordination around the clock.

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) provided the “NamTang” app for planning trips using public transport and roads in Bangkok and surrounding areas. The State Railway of Thailand distributed “Eco-friendly Train Bags” made from recycled materials as New Year gifts. The Expressway Authority of Thailand set up a special operations center (War Room) and hotline 1543. The Transport Company ran the "Volunteer Staff Guide Passengers Home" project at Mo Chit 2 station, while the Airport Rail Link distributed eco-friendly RED Line bags to promote cloth bag use.

Y – Year of Safety: The year of safety on roads and all travel.

• Regarding safety, the Department of Land Transport strictly inspected bus vehicles and drivers on major routes, conducted the “Free Vehicle Inspection, Drive Safely” campaign nationwide, and provided training courses for truck and tow truck drivers to raise standards. The Department of Rural Roads patrolled risky spots, installed warning signs, flashing lights, guardrails, and performed ongoing road maintenance. The State Railway of Thailand established a “National Safety Center” to receive reports and coordinate 24/7.
• The Port Authority of Thailand placed safety campaign signs in port areas. The Expressway Authority set up service units at major Bangkok toll gates to manage traffic and enforce rules against violations. The Transport Company offered free vehicle inspections at the Rangsit maintenance center checking brakes, tires, lighting, and essential fluids to ensure safe travel home.

Mr. Phiphat concluded by saying this New Year's gift package reflects the Ministry of Transport's commitment to "enable Thai people to travel happily, safely, and with peace of mind, knowing the government is always by their side on every route." This includes measures to reduce expenses, improve travel convenience, free parking, extra bus, boat, train, and electric train services, as well as souvenirs such as dolls, cloth bags, eco-friendly bags, drinking water, and Travel Kits—all symbols of care the Ministry intends to fully offer the public during the 2026 New Year.

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