The government spokesperson announced that this Songkran, the Prime Minister emphasized "Don't drink and drive" to ensure safe travel for the public, while the Ministry of Transport is helping reduce expenses by offering free expressway travel during the festival season. Tags: [Songkran Festival, Prime Minister, Road Safety, Ministry of Transport, Expressway Toll Waiver]
On 10 April 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is concerned for the public during this Songkran festival. Many people have already begun traveling. He stressed the importance of "Don't drink and drive" and instructed agencies to fully facilitate public travel.Tags: [Prime Minister, Songkran Travel, Road Safety, Government Statement, Ministry of Interior]
The government, through the Ministry of Transport, has introduced measures to reduce travel expenses and ease traffic during the festival period, with details as follows.Tags: [Government Measures, Ministry of Transport, Traffic Management, Travel Expenses]
1. Toll exemptions on expresswaysTags: [Toll Exemption, Expressways]
- Burapha Withi and Kanchanaphisek (Bang Phli–Suksawat) expressways from 10–16 April 2026 GMT+7Tags: [Burapha Withi Expressway, Kanchanaphisek Expressway, Toll-Free Period]
- Udon Ratthaya, Si Rat, and Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressways from 13–15 April 2026 GMT+7Tags: [Udon Ratthaya Expressway, Si Rat Expressway, Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, Toll-Free Period]
2. Free motorway travel for 7 days from 10–16 April 2026 GMT+7 covering 3 main routes:Tags: [Free Motorway, Travel Period, Major Routes]
- M7: Bangkok–Chonburi–Pattaya–Map Ta PhutTags: [M7 Motorway, Route Details]
- M9: Outer Ring Road of BangkokTags: [M9 Motorway, Outer Ring Road]
- M81: Bang Yai–KanchanaburiTags: [M81 Motorway, Route Details]
Additionally, free trial runs are offered on new routes including M6 (Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima) to help reduce congestion on Mittraphap Road, with traffic management by time slots, and M82 (Bang Khun Thian–Ekkachai) covering 10 kilometers to help alleviate traffic from Rama II Road heading south.Tags: [New Motorway Routes, M6 Motorway, M82 Motorway, Traffic Management, Congestion Relief]
“Songkran is a time when many people travel back to their hometowns to reunite with family. However, the rising oil prices have increased travel costs, leading some to adjust their plans. This measure is the government’s intention to help reduce travel expenses and ensure public safety, so that Songkran remains a joyful time for everyone and every family,” she said.Tags: [Songkran Festival, Travel Costs, Government Support, Public Safety, Family Reunion]