The Department of Highways has announced a trial opening. of the M82 Motorway. The Bang Khun Thian–Ekachai–Ban Phaeo section will be free to use along the entire 25 km stretch starting 28 August 2026, aiming to ease traffic on Rama 2 Road and promote tourism in the southern region.
Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan, Director-General of the Department of Highways (DOH), revealed that the DOH will begin a trial service of the elevated M82 Motorway section from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo starting Friday, 28 August 2026 at 10:00 a.m., with no toll charges. This will improve convenience along the entire M82 Motorway from the Bang Khun Thian interchange to the Ban Phaeo terminus, alleviating traffic congestion on Rama 2 Road towards the South, while boosting the economy and tourism in Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Currently, including highways, construction has been accelerated according to policy, with civil works about 98% complete overall. The elevated M82 Motorway section from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo, spanning 16.4 kilometers, is ready for trial operation free of tolls, 24 hours daily, starting Friday, 28 August 2026 at 10:00 a.m. This will allow continuous travel along the M82 Motorway from the southern Kanchanaphisek Ring Road, onto the M82 elevated Rama 2 Road at the Bang Khun Thian interchange, passing Ekachai, ending at Ban Phaeo, totaling about 25 kilometers. It then connects to Highway 35 (Rama 2 Road) towards Samut Songkhram, continuing to the Wang Manao interchange in Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province, facilitating connections to other southern provinces.
For the free trial starting 28 August 2026, four entry-exit points will be available:
Phanthai Norasingh Toll Plaza.
Mahachai 1 Toll Plaza.
Mahachai 2 Toll Plaza.
Ban Phaeo Toll Plaza.
(Note: Samut Sakhon 1 and Samut Sakhon 2 toll plazas are not yet open due to ongoing construction.)
Since safety systems meeting motorway standards are still being installed, the Department of Highways has implemented speed limits for safety as follows:
For passenger cars, the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour.
For trucks and buses, the speed limit is 65 kilometers per hour.
Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and all types of wheeled devices are strictly prohibited from using the elevated motorway. These vehicle groups can use the Rama 2 Road below as usual.
The Director-General added that the Department of Highways will expedite completion of the remaining civil works within 2026. Installation of toll collection and traffic control systems is expected to begin in 2027, taking about two years, aiming for full official operation with tolls by 2029.
The opening of the M82 Motorway Bang Khun Thian–Ekachai–Ban Phaeo section will enhance convenience, speed, and safety, reducing travel time to the South. It will improve transportation and logistics efficiency, supporting manufacturing, trade, investment, and tourism, stimulating the economies of Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and other southern provinces.
The Department of Highways urges users to strictly obey traffic signs and staff instructions for travel safety. They also recommend following updates from the Department of Highways and the Ministry of Transport’s official channels to receive accurate information for safe and convenient travel planning. Citizens can inquire about routes or report highway emergencies via the Department of Highways hotline 1586, available 24 hours.
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