Free rides have ended. The Department of Highways is set to begin toll collection on the M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway starting 16 Jan 2026 at 00:01. Entry is smooth, and at exits drivers can choose between two payment methods: "pay via M-Flow for barrier-free passage" or "pay staff at toll booths." Tags: [M81 Motorway, Toll Collection, M-Flow, Department of Highways, Transportation]
Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways (DOH), revealed that after the Department of Highways opened the route for public trial use, Motorway No. 81 (M81) Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi route has allowed all vehicle types permitted on the motorway to freely enter and exit all eight toll gates 24 hours a day since 31 Oct 2025. Currently, installation and testing of various systems such as toll collection, Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) management and control center, vehicle weight control, and data communication network—managed by BGSR81 Co., Ltd., the private operator of M81—have been completed. The systems are ready to enhance service and provide comprehensive traffic convenience. Therefore, the Department of Highways has scheduled to start toll collection for M81 from Friday, 16 Jan 2026 at 00:01 onwards.
The toll collection on M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway will be based on vehicle type and actual distance traveled, passing through all eight toll booths, which include Bang Yai, Nakhon Chaisi, Srisathong, East Nakhon Pathom, West Nakhon Pathom, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi toll gates. For example, a 4-wheeled car traveling from Bang Yai to Nakhon Chaisi must pay a toll of 45 baht, while traveling the full route from Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi will incur the maximum toll of 150 baht.
Regarding payment, the M81 Motorway project uses modern technology to offer convenience and meet digital-era user needs. At each entry point, every vehicle will pass through a high-efficiency Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system without stopping or slowing to collect a ticket. The system reads and records license plates automatically to verify against exit data and calculate the toll based on actual distance traveled. At each exit, users can choose between two payment methods for their convenience:
1. M-Flow lane (drive through without stopping, barrier-free)
2. Cash payment lane (vehicles slow down to enter toll booth) by stopping and paying staff at the toll booth.
Mr. Suwichan Suraban, Director of the Expressway Division, added that for those using the M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway when tolls start on 16 Jan 2026, the Department of Highways recommends registering for M-Flow in advance to facilitate toll payments and obtain receipts. Users can also access usage history and other benefits by registering via the MFlowThai app or website mflowthai.com, which has been improved for easier and more convenient data entry.
Additionally, to further ease M-Flow registration, especially for users in Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi provinces, the Department of Highways will open M-Flow registration and RFID Tag installation points with staff assistance at the back of the inbound weigh stations of all eight toll booths starting 14 Jan 2026. Users should bring their ID card and a copy of the vehicle registration book. For those already registered with M-Flow but without RFID Tag installation on their vehicles, the Department invites them to install RFID Tags at these service points to improve license plate reading accuracy and system performance.
. . . For the M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway, which will start toll collection on 16 Jan 2026, the Department of Highways urges drivers to drive safely and adhere to speed limits: 4-wheeled cars not exceeding 120 km/h, buses/trucks not exceeding 100 km/h, and heavy trucks/tow vehicles not exceeding 80 km/h.
For more information, contact the Department of Highways hotline at 1586 press 81, available 24 hours, or follow updates on the websitewww.BGSR81.co.thand Facebook: BGSR81
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