BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Highways has published a set of alternative travel routes for Songkran 2025 in a bid to ease congestion and improve safety across Thailand’s national road network during the peak holiday period. From April 11 to 17, motorists departing Bangkok for the northern, northeastern, eastern, southern, and western regions are being encouraged to use both main and secondary highways to avoid bottlenecks and reduce overall travel times.
For travelers heading north, suggested routes include highways through Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Sing Buri, or paths via Suphan Buri and Chainat toward Nakhon Sawan. Additional alternatives lead through Wang Noi and Lopburi before reaching Phitsanulok. To the northeast, drivers are advised to use Intercity Motorway No. 6 or other routes passing through Saraburi, Chaiyaphum, or Highway 304 via Wang Nam Khiao.
Routes toward eastern destinations such as Pattaya and Chonburi include the Intercity Motorway No. 7, Highway No. 304 through Chachoengsao, and Sukhumvit Road via Bang Pakong. For the southern region, travelers may access Phetchaburi and beyond through Borommaratchachonnani Road, Motorway No. 81, or Rama 2 Road. Routes west to Kanchanaburi include Motorway No. 81, as well as options through Nakhon Pathom and Highway No. 346.
To support road safety during the holiday, the department has urged drivers to follow posted signage, comply with traffic officers’ directions, and make use of digital maps and route-planning tools. A public awareness campaign titled “A Joyful Festival Across Thailand” has also been launched to encourage safe and smooth travel across the country.
Travelers seeking updates or assistance can contact the Department of Highways by dialing 1586, the motorway hotline by pressing 7 after 1586, or the highway police via 1193. Lines are available 24 hours a day and are toll-free across all networks. (NNT)
