The atmosphere on Route 304 from Kabin Buri to Korat is heavily congested as Northeastern residents return home during the extended Songkran holiday. Meanwhile, Mittraphap Road at Pak Chong, Korat sees a high volume of vehicles, and the M6 Motorway experiences slow-moving traffic due to construction expanding lanes at an exit ramp.
On 11 April 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, reporters covered the atmosphere of people traveling back to their hometowns during the extended Songkran holiday period, which this year includes several consecutive days off.
At approximately 5:40 a.m., traffic conditions on Route 304 between Kabin Buri district in Prachinburi province and Pak Thong Chai district in Nakhon Ratchasima province were heavy. Many people were traveling home for the long Songkran break. A large number of vehicles started flowing in since the previous night from western provinces and parts of the central region, diverting from congested Mittraphap Road to use this route. Overall, traffic remained smooth, with some slowdowns on uphill and downhill sections and near intersections with traffic lights, but no significant congestion. Speeds ranged between 60-80 kilometers per hour. By around 8:30 a.m., traffic began to ease, although travelers continued heading into Nakhon Ratchasima to proceed to other Northeastern provinces.
Meanwhile, on Mittraphap Road passing through Pak Chong and Sikhio districts in Nakhon Ratchasima this morning, a large volume of vehicles heading to the Northeast was also observed. However, there were no reports of traffic jams or backups. All vehicle types were able to travel at legal speeds. Additionally, some vehicles merging from the Sikhio interchange onto Mittraphap Road increased traffic volume heading northeast. Compared to 11 April last year, vehicle numbers have decreased significantly due to the poor economy and an energy crisis that caused fuel prices to rise sharply, increasing living costs. Consequently, many people reduced expenses by choosing public transport or trains for returning home rather than private cars, with some even foregoing travel home for this Songkran.
Traffic on the M6 Motorway from Pak Chong to the exit ramp onto the Mittraphap bypass around Nakhon Ratchasima city today was sparse, much less than last year. It is believed that many people chose to celebrate Songkran near their residences rather than travel back to the Northeast. Meanwhile, on the bypass around Chor Hor subdistrict in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district heading out to Khon Kaen province, traffic was quite heavy, causing slowdowns with speeds around 40-60 kilometers per hour. It is expected that in the afternoon and evening, more people will rush to return home to the Northeast, increasing congestion on main routes such as Mittraphap Road and Route 304.
Meanwhile, reporters noted that fuel stations in Sikhio district were especially busy. Travelers who decided to use private cars to return home for Songkran celebrations with relatives were filling their tanks and stopping periodically to rest. For example, at the PTT station in Lat Buakhao subdistrict, Sikhio district, many people arrived to refuel, filling the parking area. Drivers weary from traveling got out to stretch, use restrooms, wash faces, or grab snacks before continuing their journeys.
When interviewed, Mr. Phuthon Monkham, 45, from Ubon Ratchathani province, who works in Nonthaburi and returns home twice yearly during New Year and Songkran, said, “Previously, I spent about 5,000 baht on fuel round-trip, but this year just fuel costs about 7,000 baht, not including food expenses on the way. I left Nonthaburi at 5 a.m. and expect to reach home around 5 p.m., covering 900 kilometers. This year, the fuel cost alone nearly uses up all my money. I probably won’t travel anywhere with my family because I need to budget carefully. I admit that expensive fuel has greatly impacted me. The cost of living is rising across the board. I urge the government to urgently address the high fuel prices first because they cause prices of other goods to rise every day… It’s really tough.”
At the same time, reporters reported that on the Nakhon Ratchasima bypass or the road between kilometer markers 3 and 5 from the M6 Motorway exit near the PTT station outbound, construction is underway to widen the road from two lanes to four lanes. Two lanes have been closed over a distance exceeding two kilometers, causing traffic to accumulate and alternate between slow movement and standstill. Further along between kilometers 7 and 8.5, about 1.5 kilometers, road expansion is also underway, causing intermittent traffic jams. Especially affected are 10-, 18-, and 22-wheel trucks, including fuel and freight trucks, which often travel side by side, reducing available road space. As a result, traffic moves slowly with frequent stops throughout this stretch.