Bangkok: The Department of Highways (DOH) has opened a trial run of the M81 motorway “all the way” in celebration of Chulalongkorn Day. The motorway will be accessible from Wednesday, 22 Oct. 2025, at 3:00 PM to Monday, 27 Oct. 2025, at 9:00 AM, providing support for travelers during the holiday period.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Highways is executing the Ministry of Transport’s urgent policy, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. This initiative aims to improve the nation’s transportation network for enhanced convenience and safety and to lower travel costs for the public. The full 96-kilometer length of “Intercity Motorway No. 81, Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi (Motorway M81)” will be toll-free during the specified period to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic volume.

The M81 motorway is a major strategic route in Thailand’s intercity motorway network, boosting the efficiency of transportation and logistics systems while ensuring comprehensive connectivity. The route links Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi provinces, which are significant economic, community, and tourist destinations in the western region. It also serves as an alternative route to the south, easing congestion on Kanchanaphisek and Phetkasem Roads, thereby facilitating greater convenience and safety for travelers.

This trial run includes all eight checkpoints: Bang Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, Si Sa Thong, Nakhon Pathom East, Nakhon Pathom West, Tha Muang, Tha Maka, and Kanchanaburi. As the motorway is still under system installation, the trial run is limited to four-wheel vehicles, with a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour to ensure road user safety.

The Department of Highways advises road users to study travel information, ensure their vehicles are in good condition, and adhere to traffic laws, warning signs, and official instructions to maximize safety throughout their journey.