Transport Free Toll on Bangkok Expressways for Mother’s Day Celebration

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Photo courtesy of Globe

 

Drivers in Greater Bangkok are in for a treat next Monday, as the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is scrapping toll fees at 63 booths to mark Mother’s Day. This initiative will span 24 hours, from 12:01 am on 11th August to midnight on 12th August, across three of the city’s busiest expressways.

 

This gesture celebrates Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother's birthday, observed nationwide as National Mother’s Day. The Prime Minister’s Office recognises this occasion as a public holiday. The Ministry of Transport is keen to support these national festivities and alleviate financial burdens on the public.

 

EXAT's decision follows recent amendments to agreements with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc and Northern Bangkok Expressway Co Ltd, enabling fee waivers on significant national days.

 

An EXAT spokesperson explained, “Our aim is to honour the Queen Mother while also easing financial pressure on families, allowing more freedom to travel during this special time.”

 

The waived tolls apply to:

 

• Chalerm Mahanakorn Expressway
• Si Rat Expressway
• Udon Ratthaya Expressway

 

Officials anticipate that this policy will alleviate traffic congestion typically seen at toll booths during long weekends and public holidays. However, drivers are advised to plan their journeys as roads are expected to be busy. Families are likely to take full advantage of the free travel, which could lead to increased traffic despite the waived fees.

 

To assist in planning, EXAT encourages motorists to use its hotline and mobile app for real-time traffic updates, particularly for evening returns when congestion is expected to peak.

 

This toll exemption is part of a broader series of government measures to enhance travel accessibility during national holidays. It reflects an ongoing strategy to blend cultural celebration with public convenience, ensuring citizens can enjoy their time without worrying about transportation costs.

 

For those planning trips, converting some potential savings might be interesting. Typically, expressway tolls can range anywhere from 50 to 100 Thai Baht, meaning a family travelling on these routes could save a reasonable sum over the day.

 

In summary, the Mother’s Day toll waiver is a thoughtful nod to both tradition and economic relief, dovetailing national pride with practical benefits for Bangkok’s motorists. Whether you're venturing to visit family or simply exploring the city, this gesture makes celebrating the Queen Mother’s birthday all the more special.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-08