The Ministry of Transport begins free weekend trial runs on the M6 Motorway from Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong starting 21 Aug 2026. Usage is limited to four-wheeled vehicles driving no faster than 80 km/h, aiming to boost the economy and ease traffic congestion toward the Northeast.
Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, presided over the opening ceremony for the trial operation of the M6 Motorway segment from Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong. The M6 is a key infrastructure opening travel from Bangkok and its metropolitan area to the Northeast. Along the 196-kilometer Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima route, it offers a new alternative alongside Phahonyothin and Mittraphap roads, reducing travel time, traffic volume, and transport costs, directly benefiting trade, investment, tourism, and the country's logistics system.
This road provides faster travel and brings Bangkok closer to the Northeast, connecting people, trade, and tourist destinations along the route. Especially the Pak Chong–Lam Takhong section, known for its beautiful terrain and scenery, will make weekend travel more convenient. People can easily leave Bangkok for tourism, dining, or continue to Nakhon Ratchasima and other northeastern provinces, helping distribute income and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.
The Ministry of Transport is ready to offer additional trial service on the approximately 110-kilometer Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong section, toll-free, starting Friday, 21 August 2026 at 12:00 PM. This service runs every Friday from 12:00 PM to Sunday midnight, connecting to the already open Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima bypass segment, allowing continuous use of M6 during weekends.
Mr. Pipat said the additional opening must prioritize the principle that "people must receive both convenience and safety." He emphasized the scenic areas, especially around Lam Takhong, where many travelers are expected. Measures must prevent risky behavior leading to accidents, and public awareness campaigns will encourage disciplined use of the route to ensure safe travel alongside tourism.
For the next goal, all parties have been instructed to expedite remaining work to enable a toll-free full trial run on the entire Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima 196-kilometer route, 24 hours a day during the 2027 New Year festival. This will precede system testing and trial operations to prepare for full commercial service and toll collection later.
The top priority during the trial period is safety. The M6 is a high-standard route with wide, smooth roads and long straight sections, which may cause drivers to unintentionally speed. Therefore, during the trial, only four-wheeled vehicles are allowed, with a speed limit of 80 km/h. Some areas are still under construction and system installation. The public is requested not to park outside designated rest areas or use shoulders without necessity, and to strictly obey traffic signs, signals, and staff instructions. Authorities will enforce laws against speeding and dangerous driving, with highway police and staff increasing surveillance along the route.
The Department of Highways has prepared the route, traffic management, personnel, and emergency aid systems to support the trial on the Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section. Staff and assistance vehicles will be available 24 hours. Coordination with highway police, local police, rescue units, and agencies in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces is in place to manage traffic and respond to emergencies.
Along the route, Variable Message Signs (VMS) have been installed to provide traffic information to users. Information about entry and exit points, route conditions, and traffic situations will be disseminated through the Department of Highways' online channels, the DOH Highway Radio (http://highwaytraffic.go.th/radio), and local media to help travelers plan ahead.
Regarding overall project progress, as of July 2026, civil construction is 99.37% complete across 40 contracts, with 38 finished. Two contracts, numbers 4 and 21, remain, with full civil completion targeted by December 2026.
Design and construction of toll booths, toll collection systems, traffic control and management systems, safety systems, and control buildings are progressing under a public-private partnership (PPP). As of July 2026, progress is 92.32%. The Department of Highways will accelerate work to meet plans for full trial operation during the 2027 New Year festival and prepare for full service and toll collection by April 2027.