Two new motorway sections open for free trial: M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong and M82 Ekkachai–Ban Phaeo

The Department of Highways opened two new motorway sections for free trial use. The first is M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong, 110 kilometres, from Friday 21 August 2026. The second is M82 Ekkachai–Ban Phaeo, 16.4 kilometres, from Friday 28 August 2026.

M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong

The trial runs on weekends only, from 12:00 on Friday to midnight on Sunday, continuing through the 2027 New Year period. Only four-wheel cars are allowed, at up to 80 km/h.

There are five entry/exit gates: Bang Pa-in, Hin Kong, Kaeng Khoi, Muak Lek and Pak Chong. The road is expected to take some traffic off Mittraphap Road, the main route to the northeast.

M82 Ekkachai–Ban Phaeo

Civil works on M82 are 98% complete and the section is open every day, 24 hours. Together with the stretch already open, drivers can travel about 25 kilometres continuously from Bang Khun Thian to Ban Phaeo.

Cars, trucks and buses are allowed. Cars may travel up to 80 km/h, trucks and buses up to 65 km/h. The elevated road adds an option along Rama 2 Road, linking Bangkok and Samut Sakhon.

Overall, both sections aim to add travel options, shorten journeys and ease traffic on Mittraphap and Rama 2 roads.

Limits to know

This is still a trial under restrictions, because parts of the projects are still being built and fitted with systems.

On M6, the inbound Pak Chong–Muak Lek stretch is still under construction, so drivers from Pak Chong cannot yet continue straight on to the Muak Lek gate, and the Thap Kwang rest area has no fuel station or EV charging yet.

On M82, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, three-wheelers and wheeled carts of any kind are strictly banned from the elevated road.

If you are weighing locations along these corridors, check the latest conditions and opening times with the Department of Highways before travelling.