General
M82 Motorway to Open Free of Charge Starting August 28
The Department of Highways has announced that the M82 motorway connecting Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaeo will open for free use for two years starting August 28, 2026.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, the Department of Highways (DOH) has confirmed that the M82 motorway, spanning from Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaeo, will officially open to the public on August 28, 2026. Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, Director-General of the DOH, stated that the project aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on Rama II Road and provide an improved travel alternative for those heading toward southern Thailand.
For residents and travelers, this development is significant as it offers a new, toll-free route for the next two years, potentially reducing travel times significantly during peak periods. The Rama II route is notoriously busy, and this infrastructure addition is intended to streamline traffic flow in the area.
While the opening date is set, travelers should remain aware that this is a new infrastructure project. It remains to be confirmed how traffic management will be handled during the initial opening phase and whether there will be any specific entry or exit restrictions as the system integrates with existing road networks. Motorists are advised to monitor official updates from the Department of Highways for any last-minute adjustments or specific operational guidelines before planning their journeys.