"Phiphat"Has approved the free trial opening of the M6 Motorway Bang Pa-in to Korat every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 21 August until 25 December 2026. After that, the full route will open 24 hours daily in both directions to and from Bangkok, with toll collection starting after Songkran in April 2027. It is expected that approximately 300,000 vehicles will use the motorway during each free weekend period.
Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed after inspecting the readiness of the M6 Motorway project, Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima section, spanning 196kilometers, thatthe Department of Highways will allow the public to try using the M6 for free on weekends, starting Friday, 21 August 2026, from12:00 p.m. until Sunday at 12:00 a.m.
every week until25 December 2026.After that, free use will be available on the full route in both directions from Bang Pa-in to Korat until the long Songkran holidayin April 2027,before toll collection begins afterthe Songkran festival in 2027.
Mr. Phiphat said some sections are still under construction, which prevents full opening in certain parts, especially on the return route from Nakhon Ratchasima to Bangkok. Users will need to exit the M6 at Pak Chong toll plaza and re-enter at Muak Lek toll plaza. Travelers can enter and exit the M6 at five toll plazas: Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Kaeng Khoi, Muak Lek, and Pak Chong. However, the inbound section between Pak Chong and Muak Lek remains under construction; travelers from Pak Chong must use Thanarat and Mittraphap roads to reach Muak Lek toll plaza instead.
Meanwhile, the Thap Kwang rest areas on both sides offer restrooms and beverage services but lack fuel stations and EV charging points. Travelers are advised to check fuel levels or battery charge before entering the motorway. The M6 section from Pak Chong to the Korat bypass remains open free 24 hours daily as before.
Regarding traffic volume upon opening the M6,Mr. Phiphat said that currently the M6 serves about 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles daily during partial openings. During the weekend trial runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it is expected around 300,000 vehicles will use the route over three days, averaging about 100,000 vehicles per day. Approximately 30% of vehicles from Mittraphap Road are expected to divert to the M6, helping reduce congestion on the main road, especially during holidays when many people travel home or for tourism.Mr. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan,
Director-General of the Department of Highways, said thatthe M6 route is already shown on Google Maps. During the trial period limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Department of Highways will coordinate with Google Thailand to provide clear opening and closing times so the system can display accurate travel information and assist the public in planning trips appropriately./
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