The government ends the era of the old treacherous road by opening the M82 motorway section from Ekachai to Ban Phaeo for free trial use starting today (28 Aug), upgrading transportation and improving connectivity to Southern Thailand.
On 28 August 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksameesangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the government, through the Department of Highways (DOH), Ministry of Transport, has accelerated the M82 project to benefit the public. This move ends the long-standing reputation of a dangerous road, aligning with the government’s Quick Win policy and the direction of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. The trial opening extends the existing M82 section from Bang Khun Thian to Ekachai to include Ekachai to Ban Phaeo. The motorway will be open daily, 24 hours, toll-free, allowing continuous elevated travel from Bang Khun Thian through Ekachai to Ban Phaeo for about 25 kilometers. This adds travel options along Rama II Road and improves connectivity to Southern Thailand.
Ms. Ploytale stated that the M82 elevated motorway trial service starts from 28 August 2026 at 10:00 AM, with the new Ekachai to Ban Phaeo stretch spanning 16.4 kilometers. Four entry and exit ramps are available at Phanthai Norasing, Mahachai 1, Mahachai 2, and Ban Phaeo toll plazas. The Samut Sakhon 1 and Samut Sakhon 2 toll plazas are still under construction. This trial is free with no toll collection or toll system activation yet. The DOH will continue completing the remaining works according to plan, aiming to open M82 fully and start toll collection in 2029. Due to ongoing construction and incomplete safety management systems, the speed limit is set at 80 km/h for four-wheel cars and 65 km/h for trucks and buses. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles of all engine sizes, three-wheeled vehicles, and all other wheeled devices are prohibited on the M82 motorway but can use the Rama II Road below as usual.
“The government prioritizes infrastructure development to drive the economy, enhance transport logistics, and boost the country’s competitiveness. The M82 elevated motorway is a key route for travel and freight from Bangkok to the south, helping to ease traffic on Rama II Road (Highway 35), improve logistics efficiency, support manufacturing, trade, and investment, and connect tourism from Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram to Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and other southern provinces. It helps distribute economic opportunities and increases competitiveness along the corridor, ensuring infrastructure investments benefit both the public and the economy in tangible ways,” she said.