Special lanes opened to ease traffic flow as mass New Year exodus from Bangkok to Isaan begins

[webfact]

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Siam Rath reported from the Mitraphap or Friendship Highway in the area of Saraburi late last night as the mass exodus for New Year from the Thai capital Bangkok to the north eastern Isaan region began in earnest.

 

They reported that special lanes were introduced to ease the flow in the area of Wang Noi at KM 106.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Police in the city of Saraburi also opened a special lane under the turn off bridge and from KM marker 17 to 43, Thap Kwang to Klang Dong.

 

Gas stations were opening past regular hours as large numbers of people used their facilities for fuel and rest stops.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Traffic speed was generally at 40 kmph but some areas had traffic moving at an average of only 20 kmph.

 

The movement of people will likely peak today as more people move north and north east to celebrate the holidays. 

 

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[kotsak]

Finally a few days of decent driving in BKK.. Time to burn some rubber..

 

[Mino]

I do the contrary today: Surin to Bangkok. Hope there will be not too much traffic on the way down.

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, Mino said:

I do the contrary today: Surin to Bangkok. Hope there will be not too much traffic on the way down.

You might experience lanes reserved for oncoming traffic. Blocked intersections, right turns prohibited (forcing to go to a U-turn and creep back).

But that's just some experience from years before. Might not happen on your route as Surin is not on the main stream.

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Gas stations were opening past regular hours as large numbers of people used their facilities for fuel and rest stops.

Everyone who doesn't fill up the day before will  regret.

If you have a weak bladder have a pee pot or just stop on the shoulder and do your business there. Don't even think of getting onto a station with a toilet. Complete turmoil.

[Mino]

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

You might experience lanes reserved for oncoming traffic. Blocked intersections, right turns prohibited (forcing to go to a U-turn and creep back).

But that's just some experience from years before. Might not happen on your route as Surin is not on the main stream.

I drove down to Korat, left turn to Khao Yai. Now stop in Kabinburi for some food. Totally full, coming to Isan, few cars go down to Bangkok.