Tourism
Thailand Expands M6 Motorway Access Between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong
The Thai Ministry of Transport has opened an additional 110-kilometer section of the M6 motorway, offering free weekend travel to ease congestion on major routes to the Northeast.
On August 21, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, alongside Deputy Minister Siriphong Angkasakulkiat, officially inaugurated an additional 110-kilometer segment of the M6 motorway, connecting Bang Pa-in in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province to Pak Chong. According to Khaosod Online, this expansion is designed to provide a more efficient travel alternative for those commuting from Bangkok and its surrounding areas toward Nakhon Ratchasima and the wider Northeastern region.
For travelers and residents, this development is intended to alleviate traffic congestion on the Phahonyothin and Mittraphap roads, which are frequently heavily burdened during peak travel periods. To encourage usage, the government has made this section toll-free every weekend, starting from Friday at 12:00 PM until Sunday at midnight.
While this opening marks a significant step in improving regional connectivity, the full scope of the project remains a work in progress. The Ministry of Transport has stated its objective to complete and open the entire 196-kilometer route for trial service by the New Year of 2027. Further updates regarding the permanent toll structure and the final completion timeline for the remaining sections will be confirmed as the project nears its full operational phase.