The government is preparing to offer free trials for two motorways: "M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong" and "M82 Bang Khun Thian–Ban Phaeo." It emphasizes checking the days, toll gates, and vehicle types before traveling.
16 Aug 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana The Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Highways, is preparing to offer free trial use of two new motorway routes to the public by the end of August 2026: Motorway No. 6 (M6) Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima segment from Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong, and Motorway No. 82 (M82) Bang Khun Thian–Ekachai–Ban Phaeo. This aims to provide more travel options, reduce travel time, and alleviate traffic on Mittraphap Road and Rama II Road.
The Deputy Spokesperson added that although both routes will be free for public use, their days, times, entry-exit points, and permitted vehicle types differ because some construction and system installations are still underway. The public is urged to carefully check conditions before planning their trips.
. For M6, the Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong section, spanning 110 kilometers, will begin trial use from Friday, 21 August 2026. It will be free only on weekends, from Friday 12:00 noon to Sunday midnight, continuing through the New Year 2027 festival. Only 4-wheel cars are permitted, with a speed limit of 80 km/h.
. "The public can enter and exit the M6 section via five toll gates: Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Kaeng Khoi, Muak Lek, and Pak Chong," she said. On the inbound route toward Bangkok, the Pak Chong to Muak Lek segment is still under construction. Travelers from Pak Chong must use Thanarat and Mittraphap Roads to reach the Muak Lek toll gate instead.
Meanwhile, the Thap Kwang rest area on both sides offers restrooms and refreshments but no fuel stations or electric vehicle charging points yet. Travelers are advised to ensure adequate fuel or battery charge before entering the motorway. The M6 segment from Pak Chong to the Nakhon Ratchasima bypass remains free 24 hours daily as before.
As for M82, the Department of Highways plans to open the Ekachai to Ban Phaeo segment, 16.4 kilometers long, adding to the existing Bang Khun Thian–Ekachai route for a total of about 25 kilometers. It will open from Friday, 28 August 2026, at 10:00 a.m. onwards and be free 24 hours a day.
M82 will allow cars, trucks, and buses. Cars have a speed limit of 80 km/h, while trucks and buses are limited to 65 km/h. Initially, four toll gates will operate: Phanthai Norasingh, Mahachai 1, Mahachai 2, and Ban Phaeo. Samut Sakhon 1 and 2 toll gates remain closed. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, and all types of wheeled carts are strictly prohibited on the M82 elevated motorway for user safety.
Ms. Lalida added, "Both motorways are free to use but with different conditions. M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong is open only on weekends and permits only 4-wheel cars, while M82 Bang Khun Thian–Ban Phaeo operates 24/7 and supports cars, trucks, and buses. We urge the public to check the operating days, times, open toll gates, and permitted vehicle types before traveling to ensure convenience and safety."
She concluded that the trial openings are part of efforts to expand travel options and improve efficiency. M6 will help reduce traffic on Mittraphap Road, the main route to the northeast, while M82 will increase travel choices along Rama II Road, connecting Bangkok and Samut Sakhon. Gradual development and full service openings will follow. The public can contact the Department of Highways hotline at 1586, available 24 hours, for more travel information.