Bangkok’s M6 Highway: Free Songkran Pass for Cars
Thailand is gearing up for Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival. To facilitate smoother travel during the anticipated surge in holidaymakers, the government is making a significant portion of the newly constructed M6 motorway toll-free during peak travel periods. This will offer substantial relief to motorists. The strategic move aims to alleviate congestion on major highways and ensure a more seamless journey for those celebrating the festive season. The announcement is part of a wider Ministry of Transport effort to manage the expected traffic influx during the national holiday—a period known for a mass exodus from urban centers to rural hometowns.
According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the 85-kilometer stretch of the M6 between Hin Kong in Saraburi and Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima will be open for free use on specific dates. The outbound lane towards Pak Chong will be toll-free from April 11th to 13th, catering to the initial wave of travelers heading northeast for the holidays. Conversely, the inbound lane towards Hin Kong will be free from April 14th to 17th, accommodating the return journey.
This initiative builds on previous efforts to integrate the M6 into the national transport network. As Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director of the Department of Highways, explained, the section between Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima has been operational on a trial basis since the New Year holiday, demonstrating the government’s phased approach to opening the motorway. The Hin Kong-Pak Chong section will be open from 00:01 on April 11th to midnight on April 17th. Only four-wheel vehicles are permitted; the speed limit is 80 kilometers per hour.
“The toll-free period on the M6 motorway is expected to significantly reduce travel times and enhance road safety during the Songkran festival,” a Ministry of Transport spokesperson stated.
Historically, Songkran has presented considerable logistical challenges for Thailand’s transportation infrastructure. The sheer volume of vehicles often leads to significant delays and accidents. This resonates with similar challenges faced by other countries during major national holidays, such as Golden Week in China or Thanksgiving in the United States, highlighting the global nature of holiday travel congestion. Free access to the M6 represents a proactive measure to mitigate these perennial issues.
The initiative’s impact is expected to be multifaceted. Beyond reducing travel times and enhancing safety, it could stimulate economic activity in the regions connected by the motorway. Increased accessibility may boost tourism and trade, offering a ripple effect of economic benefits. However, potential downsides include increased pressure on local infrastructure in the destinations served by the M6.
Key Dates for Toll-Free Travel:
- Outbound (Hin Kong to Pak Chong): April 11th–13th
- Inbound (Pak Chong to Hin Kong): April 14th–17th
Mini-FAQ:
- Are motorcycles allowed on the M6? No, only four-wheel vehicles are permitted.
- What is the speed limit on the M6? 80 kilometers per hour.
The decision to offer free access to the M6 during Songkran underscores the Thai government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and facilitating safer, more efficient travel for its citizens. This initiative, combined with ongoing efforts to improve road safety awareness, promises a smoother and more enjoyable Songkran experience for travelers in 2025. For further details, see the Bangkok Post.
