The Department of Highways has proposed a ministerial regulation to waive motorway tolls for seven days during the Songkran festival in 2026, from 12.01am on April 10 to midnight on April 16. This decision targets easing travel and reducing congestion for the traditional period when many people travel to their hometowns, causing heavy traffic on routes around Bangkok.
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Previously, the Department of Highways submitted a draft to the Ministry of Transport, seeking approval to lift toll charges on Motorway No. 7, Motorway No. 9, and Motorway No. 81. The waiver is expected to support faster and more convenient travel, improve traffic flow, and decrease travel expenses for the public during this major holiday. Additionally, it aims to lower national energy consumption and reduce air pollution during the festival period.
The regulation is based on Section 3 of a 1954 law dictating fees for motor vehicle use on highways, with an amendment in 1991. Under the draft plan, toll fees will be lifted on various sections including Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok–Ban Chang), Motorway No. 9 (the Bangkok Outer Ring Road), and Motorway No. 81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi). The move is aligned with past ministerial regulations prescribing toll fees for these routes.
Expert opinions suggest that waiving tolls could significantly alleviate congestion and provide relief to travelers in terms of cost and time savings. It also serves as an environmental benefit by potentially reducing emissions from extended idle times in traffic jams. These considerations make the proposed holiday toll waiver an effective measure that could be positively received by the public.
Looking ahead, the draft will undergo evaluation by the Ministry of Transport. If approved, the toll waiver could set a precedent for future holiday periods to ensure smoother traffic conditions. Continued assessments will determine its effectiveness in achieving the intended benefits, reported The Nation.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 11 Mar 2026