BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved toll waivers on major motorways and expressways during the New Year holiday to ease congestion and facilitate travel. From December 26, 2024, to January 2, 2025, motorists will have toll-free access to Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok–Ban Chang) and Motorway No. 9 (Bangkok Outer Ring Road). The waivers extend to key sections connecting Bangkok to destinations such as Pattaya, Nong Prue, Ban Chang, and Chonburi, as well as links to Bang Khun Thian and Bang Pa-In.
The Burapha Withi Expressway (Bang Na–Chonburi) and Kanchanaphisek Expressway (Bang Phli–Suksawat) will also be toll-free during the same period. The revenue loss from these waivers is projected at 207.8 million baht for motorways and 96 million baht for expressways. However, the economic benefits, including savings on travel expenses and time, are estimated at over 561 million baht collectively.
Traffic volume on these toll-free routes is expected to exceed 2.6 million vehicles over the eight-day period. In addition to toll waivers, the Ministry of Transport has implemented measures to enhance public safety and travel convenience. These include free vehicle safety inspections, extended public transport services, real-time traffic updates through mobile apps, and restrictions on large trucks on main roads during peak travel days. Public transport operators have been instructed to conduct strict safety checks on drivers and vehicles, with GPS monitoring to ensure compliance.
To support New Year’s Eve events in Bangkok, local agencies will extend public transport hours until 2 a.m. at major venues such as Central World, ICONSIAM, and Wat Pho. Free parking will be available at airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket. (NNT)
