M6 Highway Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima Opens Free on Weekends
The M6 motorway's Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section will open free to the public every weekend starting August 21, with the full 196-kilometre highway expected to operate toll-free during 2027 New Year celebrations before commercial toll collect
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has inspected the M6 motorway's Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima section and held a meeting to prepare a trial opening of the Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong segment, approximately 110 kilometres long. The trial opening will be free for the public every weekend, starting August 21, 2569, at noon.
The 196-kilometre M6 motorway is critical infrastructure linking Bangkok and surrounding areas with the Northeast region. It provides an alternative route, reduces travel time and traffic volume on Phahon Yothin and Friendship roads, and supports reduced transport costs while promoting trade, investment, tourism, and logistics.
The Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong trial opening will run from Friday, August 21, at noon, continuously through to Sunday at midnight, with no toll charges. It will connect with the already-operating Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima bypass section, allowing uninterrupted use of the M6 during holidays.
The Transport Ministry has emphasised principles of convenience and safety, particularly in the scenic Lam Takong area where heavy traffic is expected. Safety measures will prevent unsafe stops and parking. During the trial, only four-wheeled vehicles are permitted, with speed limited to 80 kilometres per hour, as some areas remain under construction. Highway police and staff will monitor the entire route. Vehicle parking or shoulder use without necessity is prohibited, and traffic signs must be obeyed.
The Department of Highways has prepared staff, assistance vehicles, and 24-hour emergency systems, coordinated with highway police, provincial police, rescue units, and authorities in Ayutthaya, Saraburi, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces to manage traffic and handle emergencies. VMS signs will provide traffic information throughout.
Deputy Prime Minister Pipat stated that the Transport Ministry is accelerating remaining work to open the entire 196-kilometre Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima M6 toll-free around the clock during the 2027 New Year festival, before proceeding to system testing and trial runs ahead of full commercial operation with toll collection.
As of July 2569, civil construction is 99.37% complete from 40 contracts, with 38 finished and 2 remaining, targeting completion by December 2569. Toll collection systems, traffic control and management systems, and safety systems under PPP arrangement are 92.32% complete, with aims to support full trial opening during the 2027 New Year period before full commercial operation and toll collection in April 2570.
