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Highways Dept Urges Google Maps Fix for M81 Route Error

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Pictures courtesy of The Nation

 

The Department of Highways has requested Google Maps urgently update navigation data for the M81 motorway after a viral post revealed a driver was misdirected to Kanchanaburi instead of Central Westgate. The incident caused public concern and highlighted incorrect route guidance, leading to delays for motorists.

 

On 6 October, the department announced coordination with Google Maps to verify and update information on all gateways and exits along the M81 Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi Motorway. Officials also requested Google review time and date restrictions for motorway operations to ensure accuracy and safety for users.

 

Although the M81 motorway construction is complete, it is not yet fully open due to ongoing traffic management system installation. The route is currently available only from Friday afternoons until Monday noon during a free-trial period, with limited gateways and exits in operation. Full opening is scheduled for early next year.

 

The issue surfaced after Facebook user Worachat Cheang Thamrongvarangkul posted about being misdirected. He wrote, “The worst thing has happened. I had to turn left to Central Westgate but Google Maps told me to turn right. Then it led me onto the M81 to Kanchanaburi with no exits. I was driving while crying.”

 

Worachat later explained that Google Maps instructed him to make a U-turn where no option existed, causing him to be two hours late for work. Other motorists also reported that an exit near Central Westgate had been closed since 30 September without updates on Google Maps. Major media outlets, including Channel 3, covered the incident, prompting swift action from the Highways Department.

 

In response, the department said it would improve signage and road markings in the area. Orders have been issued to install warning signs, directional signs and lane markings indicating “M81” on the road surface. New guide signs will also be placed at key junctions, including the Bang Yai Gate on Rattanathibet Road, to help drivers make informed decisions before entering the motorway.

 

The viral incident also sparked online humour and brand responses. For example, IT City posted: “I planned to buy a computer at IT City Central Westgate, but Maps told me to turn right and I ended up buying it at IT City Robinson Kanchanaburi. No matter where you are, you’ll find IT City.”

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• The Highways Department is working with Google Maps to correct M81 route data after a viral navigation error.

• The M81 motorway is partially open for trial, with full access planned early next year.

• Improved signage and markings will be installed to prevent similar navigation errors.

 

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image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Nation 2025-10-07

 

 

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  • Popular Post
54 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

The worst thing has happened. I had to turn left to Central Westgate but Google Maps told me to turn right

What's gone wrong with the world. 

 

Is it really the worst thing? 

How did we cope without technology?

 

 

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The incident caused public concern and highlighted incorrect route guidance, leading to delays for motorists.

 

They should sue Google for 10 000000 Baht.

If there's one thing Thailand doesn't need, it's more confusing road signage. Less is more. :coffee1:

55555, that got me a few weeks ago, found myself heading towards Kanchanaburi, no side roads to turn off on, no u turns, stuck on it for 30km's until I came across an open gate at a service u turn, was not impressed....

 

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Google trying to make sense of Thailands half open road system

ha ha.. this from a country which cannot even get New Zealand the right way up on it's large map of the World at it's premiere International Airport - maybe they have fixed it now ??? or maybe they just failed at geography..

It seems they don't understand that Google maps doesn't update data and routes daily on the fly for any country that does road construction. I am wondering, did they call google and tell them of time and date restriction of the road? 

I stopped using maps when driving, it become more of a hazard when you have to monitor the navigator, 
it would change routes mid journey, send you on routes that only motorbikes can go,
always try and redirect you to toll roads even when no time saved,
and most annoying is constantly being told "keep driving straight ahead" when doing 120km/h
 

The government should prepare a list of all of the unfinished bridges, highways, overpasses, motorways, toll roads to Google so they can update their maps so preventing needless death and injury when motorists drive off non existing roads - so much easier than fixing them, and no, it isn't any cheaper as it just means more for the snouts in the trough.

I have been using Petal Maps for some time now. It gives better routings and clearer instructions than Google maps, and is interactive, updated live by users: delays, diversions, accidents, speed traps and cameras. The only downside, it lacks some of the detailed local knowledge of destinations. 

A few weeks ago I was driving from Korat city to ChumPhae in Western Khon Kaen using Google Maps.  At one point, Google maps directed me on to a route that quickly became an unpaved farm road, axel deep in mud.  I didn't dare stop or try to turn around for fear of getting stuck so I just plowed on until it joined a paved road.  It was a scary experience and made me realize that one must check a route and turn around if it doesn't feel right. I really miss folding maps where one can plot an entire route rather than following a phone screen bit by bit.

8 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What's gone wrong with the world. 

 

Is it really the worst thing? 

How did we cope without technology?

 

 

 

With paper road maps, like I still use to this day (no smart phone).

7 hours ago, milesinnz said:

ha ha.. this from a country which cannot even get New Zealand the right way up on it's large map of the World at it's premiere International Airport - maybe they have fixed it now ??? or maybe they just failed at geography..

At one school where I taught in BKK all of the world maps had "Antcratica" at the bottom.  🙂

8 hours ago, milesinnz said:

or maybe they just failed at geography..

 

Isn't Google an American thing?

Geography is not their strongest thing is it.

2 minutes ago, Muhendis said:

 

Isn't Google an American thing?

Geography is not their strongest thing is it.

 

Well when even the president thinks that Alaska is in Russia, then I have to agree with you

What about Waze. Won't other users have added closures etc.

5 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

With paper road maps, like I still use to this day (no smart phone).

Me too.   Plan ahead, use your head.  Common sense.

Hope they have better luck than me. I've tried several times over the last five years to get Google to correct the road number our house is on. I've sent photos of mile posts, signage and even screen shots off their own streetview without success. Even mentioned once that even Apple Maps is correct.

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