BANGKOK, 29 March 2012 – National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Vichean Potephosree presided over a meeting of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) executive board to discuss waiving toll fees for commuters during the Songkran festival.
Pol-Gen Vichean, in his capacity as EXAT board president, said the meeting agreed to waive tolls on three expressways namely Burapa Withi (Bangkok-Chonburi), the elevated expressway south of Suvarnabhumi airport and the Bang Phli – Suk Sawat Expressway, for five days, starting from 00.01 am of April 12 to the midnight of April 16.
He said the aim of the toll exemption is to accommodate motorists who wish to visit their hometowns during the festival.
Meanwhile, Wanchai Phakluck, Director-General of the Department of Highways, said commuters will also be exempt from paying tolls for use of the Bangkok-Chon Buri motorway and the Bang Pa-in – Bang Phli outer ring road for seven days starting from 4pm on April 10 to the midnight of April 16.
Mr Wanchai added that in order to further facilitate public journey, the department will set up service points to provide information to motorists.
The meeting forecasted a total revenue loss of about 105 million baht due to the toll exemption.
