Thailand Announces Permanent Opening of M6 Motorway and Southern Infrastructure Upgrades
The Ministry of Transport has confirmed the permanent opening of the M6 motorway for December 25, 2026, alongside plans to expand southern road networks to alleviate congestion.
According to Khaosod Online, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced a significant expansion of Thailand’s transport infrastructure. The M6 motorway, connecting Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima, is scheduled to open for permanent, full-time operation on December 25, 2026. Currently, the route is only accessible on weekends.
For travelers heading south, the Ministry is addressing long-term traffic congestion. Starting in 2027, the government plans to develop parallel roads along Phet Kasem Road, stretching from Nakhon Pathom to Pak Tho and passing through Kaeng Krachan before reaching Pranburi. This project aims to divert traffic from the heavily congested Rama II Road. Furthermore, authorities are discussing plans to expand the Phet Kasem route from Pranburi to Chumphon from four to eight lanes. The proposal includes upgrading the central four lanes into a motorway to facilitate non-stop long-distance travel, while the outer lanes will remain for local access to districts and provinces.
These developments are part of a broader strategy to improve connectivity between Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, while also promoting the use of double-track railways to reduce long-haul freight on roads. While the M6 opening date is set, specific timelines for the completion of the southern road expansion projects remain subject to further planning and official confirmation.
